Should You Take Whey Protein Or Not? 10 Side effects of Whey Protein

Whey protein side effects and health benefits

Fitness is something that is different for different individuals but in a broader spectrum it is overall your health and well-being. From gaining muscle mass to losing weight, anything and everything can be done to improve your health. In this fast-paced world, people are becoming more conscious about their health. There are thousands of ways in which you can achieve good health. Nutrients are one of the driving factors. If you ever entered a gym, you would have definitely heard about “whey protein.”

Whey protein is a magical word that gives a spark to the eyes of fitness enthusiasts and gym freaks. Whey protein is a very popular supplement among people across the globe.

In this blog, Readtopicsnow will throw lights on some of the corners around whey proteins.

What is whey protein?

Whey protein is a special kind of supplement that people consume along with resistance training to boost lean muscle mass and improve muscle protein synthesis.

Let’s understand with a simple example: milk has two types of protein: whey and casein. Whey protein can be separated from the casein using some advanced processing technique.

Whey protein is almost a complete form of protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids that a body needs to thrive. People also use whey protein rather than casein protein because it is low in lactose content.

Whey proteins come in various forms, like supplement powders, bars, and shakes. Athletes and bodybuilders rely on protein for clean bulking and muscle recovery.

Wayne Protein, Muscleblaze Protein, and Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard are some of the famous brands that offer high-quality whey protein supplements. Whey isolate protein powder is commonly used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to meet their daily protein needs.

The importance of protein after resistance training

A proper intake of protein will maximize muscle protein synthesis and balance the protein in the body.

20–25 grams of repeatedly digested leucine-rich protein can be helpful in many ways after training.

There are many benefits and some dark sides to using whey protein. Let’s read about them.

Benefits of Whey Protein

Whey protein isolate is known for its high protein content and fast absorption rate. Gold standard whey protein is considered one of the highest quality protein supplements available, as per rating. But different proteins may act differently for different individuals.

The best-tasting protein powder is subjective and depends on individual preferences.

The Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism published a study about “whey protein supplements.” They concluded that whey protein, when combined with resistance training, can create wonders in muscle mass.

It helps with weight loss.

There was a study done on 158 people that was published in Nutrition and Metabolism that concluded that people consuming whey protein lost a great deal of body fat and showed a greater preservation of improved lean muscle.

Anti-cancer properties

A journal indicated that WPC (whey protein concentrate) promotes the production of glutathione, which can help in cancer treatment. But this study needs more research.

Asthma

A study was done on small groups of kids to find out how whey protein can work on asthma. It was observed that those kids who were given 10 grams of whey protein per day developed a better immune response.

Lowering Cholesterol 

The British Journal of Nutrition published a study report that was done on 70 overweight men and women. After using whey protein for 12 weeks, a significant decrease in the levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was observed. 

Cardiovascular disease and blood pressure

The International Dairy Journal published research advocating whey protein. People who were consuming whey protein with some exercise under supervision showed lower blood pressure. These people were suffering from hypertension, but whey protein reduced the chances of stroke and heart disease. 

Different types of whey protein

There are basically four types of whey protein that are in circulation and available for consumption.

Whey Concentrate

It is a basic type of whey protein that contains 70–80% protein. The rest is some fat and sugar in the form of lactose. Whey concentrate contains the most naturally occurring nutrients because it is least processed. 

Whey Isolate

When extensive processing is done on whey protein to remove sugar and fat, whey isolate is obtained that contains 85–90% of protein. However, this processing can damage some of the naturally occurring nutrients.

Milk Protein

When the blend has both whey and casein in concentrated or isolated form.

Whey Hydrolysate

This type of protein is further processed to break down some amino acids so that it can be made for better absorption by the body. Usually, this type of protein does not have a great taste. 

How does whey protein help with weight loss?

Whey proteins increase muscle mass, which in turn boosts metabolism, resulting in more calorie burn even while resting. A higher basal metabolic rate aids in fat loss. 

Whey protein stimulates the production of a peptide that catalyzes the satiety hormone. This hormone makes you feel fuller for longer and hence reduces carving and overeating.

Various studies demonstrate that whey protein increases fat burning, especially if you take it before workouts. 

With a reduced-calorie diet, whey protein can aid in weight loss while preserving lean muscle mass. The preservation of lean muscle is crucial for maintaining metabolism. 

Some potential side effects of whey protein 

People may experience some discomfort after consuming whey protein. In that case, you should immediately contact your doctor, and we also recommend that you consult your nutritionist before taking any whey supplement. Below are some possible dangers of whey proteins.

Taking whey protein in moderation can result in

• Cramps
• Reduced Appetite
• Nausea
• Headache
• Bloating

Some of the other side effects may include increased calorie intake, some digestive issues, allergies, acne, and interference with some medications.

Excessive and chronic use of different types of whey protein can affect the kidney and liver, as per some studies. 

Conclusion

In the vast world of whey supplements, the spotlight is usually on whey protein powders. In addition, there is a wide range of whey products designed to cater to various fitness goals. There are some good players in the whey protein supplement market, like Gold Standard Whey Protein, which also provides purity of whey isolate and whey protein isolate.

But we do not endorse any company; do your own research before purchasing any organic whey protein, vegan whey protein, whey isolate protein powder, or any unflavored protein powder.

The best muscle-gain protein powder contains a blend of fast- and slow-digesting proteins to support muscle growth. Whey protein is the best whey for individuals looking to increase their protein intake and support muscle recovery. 

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