It’s no secret that protein is essential for maintaining basic health, – maintaining life, in fact – and that it plays a crucial role in building muscle (just try building muscle without protein!). However, what does seem to be something of a secret is what type of protein works best, and why. In this article I’ll introduce you to whey protein, which, for all intents and purposes, is the Top Dog of the protein world. But what is whey protein, is it healthy, and what are it’s unique properties – and is it really worth you investing in it? All will be revealed…
What is whey protein?
In exploring what whey protein is, I’m reminded of the short nursery rhyme about Little Miss Muffet. It goes like this:
“Little Miss Muffet
Sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey.
Along came a spider
Who sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away.”
Ever heard it?
Now, I have no idea if Miss Muffet was into bodybuilding or not… but she was definitely eating some good quality protein there. You see, whey protein is a by product of cheese making, so it’s a dairy protein. When the milk has been curdled (curd) there is a liquid left over, which is the whey. Approximately 20% of cows milk is whey with the other 80% being casein. Curdling basically allows for the separation of these two very different proteins.
Whey protein isn’t usually sold in liquid form, however. Through various processes, it’s usually granulized, flavored, and is sold as a powder, which can be mixed with water, milk, or pretty much mixed with anything the consumer desires.
What makes whey protein special to those building muscle?
It’s likely you’ve heard of complete and incomplete proteins, essential and non-essential amino acids, and so forth. Well, amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Some amino acids our body creates itself – which are known as non-essential. Essential amino acids are the ones which our body doesn’t create, and thus relies upon a sound diet to obtain.
Complete proteins are ones which contain all essential amino acids. These types of proteins are the best for muscle growth – and whey protein is a complete protein.
But it doesn’t stop there. Whey protein is an extra special complete protein.
Why is why whey protein better than other complete proteins?
Whey protein is extra special because of its super high biological value. In plain English this means whey protein is super-effective for muscle growth because the body finds it very easy to use. Even easier than whole eggs – which were once considered the ‘gold standard’ for comparing other proteins against. Whey protein is therefore the ideal protein to use post workout and in the morning when the body needs a quick protein supply the most. Manufactured whey protein is also low in calories by comparison to how much milk you would have to drink to get a comparable dose of whey, which is a great plus for those on a strict calorie quota.
Conclusion
Nothing is ever as simple as it would seem, and many budding muscle builders have fallen foul to believing the ‘protein is protein’ oversimplification. Building muscle is all about getting as much of the best quality protein as possible – but timing is also determines which is the best protein for that particular job. As I’ve said already, whey protein as a supplement not only makes things highly convenient, but provides a low calorie, high dose of primo protein which your muscles will soak up like a sponge.
So, what is whey protein? You’re new secret weapon – if you’re smart!