Everything You Need To Know About Whey Protein

Everything You Need To Know About Whey Protein

We don’t just double scoop whey protein but we scrape the bottom of the pouch to give you the in’s and out’s and everything that you need to know about this awesome powder. You may be considering making your first purchase or simply want a little refresh on those nutritional nuggets of information, take a look below, we know you won’t be disappointed.

Is It Safe To Use Whey Protein?

If you are interested in keeping yourself fit and healthy, the chances are you’ve come across whey protein powders in your search at some point. 

Whey Protein is incredibly safe to use, after-all protein is essential for numerous bodily functions. Whey Protein has been subject to numerous clinical and scientific testing with no adverse side effects and is used by people worldwide. However, if you are lactose intolerant or vegan – whey protein wouldn’t be suitable for you. As whey is a by-product of milk

Is Whey Protein Good For You?

Whey protein is incredibly good for you with many different health benefits. A study found that an insufficient amount of protein consumption causes a negative nitrogen balance, indicating protein catabolism which over time may lead to illness (Phillips et al. 2011 & 2016).

Not only does whey protein have a positive impact on your tissues, but recent studies have also discovered that whey protein could improve blood pressure (Sipola et al. 2002), have positive impacts on blood fats (Pals et al. 2010) and help reduce inflammation (Zhou et al. 2015).

What Are The Risks Of Whey Protein? Does Whey Protein Have Side Effects?

Some individuals can be allergic to lactose, which unfortunately whey protein does contain. However, it has been found that ‘Whey Protein Isolate 90’ is more suitable for those who may not agree to lactose due to it being further filtered resulting in very low lactose content.

Though we would recommend consulting your GP first if considering with an allergy. Whey protein does not typically cause any adverse effects on your body and there are no risks when consuming. Ensure when selecting your whey protein powder that you take a look at the ingredients list, as often there can be hidden sugars, which if consumed on a regular basis could cause a health hazard.

With serious excessive consumption of protein, there have been side effects such as stomach cramps, reduced appetite and headaches, although this is only seen in a very select few. It’s important to note that whey protein should be consumed with a varied, balanced diet.

Is Whey Protein Dangerous For Health?

When Whey Protein is consumed with a varied balanced diet and exercise it can be very beneficial for overall health and wellbeing. 

Of course, like with anything, excessive consumption of whey protein could have an impact on your health, although as a whole whey protein is not considered dangerous for health at all. Like we said above, as long as you check what goes into the powder you can sip with confidence. For example, our Whey Protein 80 Concentrate contains over 20g of protein but only 1.5g of sugar, whereas other brands out there can contain in excess of 30g of sugar, equivalent to well known sugary drinks, and well that sure isn’t healthy. Just double check what’s in your shake before consuming and you’ll be good to go.

Is Whey Protein A Steroid?

Whey protein is not considered as a steroid as it holds no anabolic properties at all. Whey protein is simply a derivative of milk and is a food source! 

Which Protein Powder Is Healthiest?

There is no definitive answer to this and really does depend on your overall goal and activity levels. Whey protein powders can be found in a heap load of combinations.

However, beyond your activity levels and nutrition goals, there are a few main pointers you need to look out for when choosing your whey protein powder.

1. Sugar Contents – Make sure the powder does not contain high amounts of sugars.
2. Purity – Make sure the whey protein used is a pure natural blend.
3. Carbohydrates – If wanting a leaner shake, then stay clear from high carbohydrates.
4. Other ingredients –  Sometimes you may find hidden unwanted ingredients in lesser known brands. Shop with confidence and go with trusted and highly regarded nutrition companies like ourselves.
5. Allergens – If you have an allergy then double check the ingredients. Often products are made with allergen awareness but if you’re still not 100% sure get in touch with the customer service team.

Should I Take Whey Protein?

If you’re looking to support healthy and active lifestyle, absolutely you should take whey protein! A high protein diet has been shown to have a variety of different health benefits, across all genders and ages!

Not only that, they taste amazing and can become an enjoyable part of your daily routine.

References

Phillips SM, Chevalier S, Leidy HJ. Protein “requirements” beyond the rda: implications for optimizing health. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016;41(5):565–72. 77.

Phillips SM, Van Loon LJC. Dietary protein for athletes: from requirements to optimum adaptation. J Sports Sci. 2011;29(Suppl 1):S29–38.

Stokes T, Hector AJ, Morton RW, Mcglory C, Phillips SM. Recent perspectives regarding the role of dietary protein for the promotion of muscle hypertrophy with resistance exercise training. Nutrients. 2018;10(2).

Cermak NM, Res PT, De Groot LC, Saris WH, Van Loon LJ. Protein supplementation augments the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to resistance-type exercise training: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012; 96(6):1454–64.

Kerksick CM, Rasmussen C, Lancaster S, Starks M, Smith P, Melton C, Greenwood M, Almada A, Kreider R. Impact of differing protein sources and a creatine containing nutritional formula after 12 weeks of resistance training. Nutrition. 2007;23(9):647–56.

Morton RW, Murphy KT, Mckellar SR, Schoenfeld BJ, Henselmans M, Helms E, Aragon AA, Devries MC, Banfield L, Krieger JW, Phillips SM. A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(6):376–84.

Lemon PW, Tarnopolsky MA, Macdougall JD, Atkinson SA. Protein requirements and muscle mass/strength changes during intensive training in novice bodybuilders. J Appl Physiol. 1992;73(2):767–75.

Nurminen ML, Sipola M, Kaarto H, Pihlanto-Leppälä A, Piilola K, Korpela R, Tossavainen O, Korhonen H, Vapaatalo H.. (2000). Alpha-lactorphin lowers blood pressure measured by radiotelemetry in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.. US National Library Of Medicine National Institutes Of Health

Pal S, Ellis V.. (2010). The chronic effects of whey proteins on blood pressure, vascular function, and inflammatory markers in overweight individuals.. US National Library Of Medicine National Institutes Of Health.

Zhou LM, Xu JY, Rao CP, Han S, Wan Z, Qin LQ,.. (2015). Effect of whey supplementation on circulating C-reactive protein: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. US National Library Of Medicine National Institutes Of Health.

Johanna E.Torfadottir, Alfheidur Haraldsdottir. (2017). Chapter 34 – Dairy Intake During the Adolescence Period and Risk of Prostate and Breast Cancer. Dairy in Human Health and Disease Across the Lifespan. 1 (1), p.429-434.

Leidy HJ, Tang M, Armstrong CL, Martin CB, Campbell WW. (2011). The effects of consuming frequent, higher protein meals on appetite and satiety during weight loss in overweight/obese men.. Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology,. 1 (1), p.818-824.

Paddon-Jones D, Westman E, Mattes RD, Wolfe RR, Astrup A, Westerterp-Plantenga M. (2008). Protein, weight management, and satiety.. American Journal For Nutritional Science. 87 (5)

Veldhorst MA, Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Westerterp KR.. (2009). Gluconeogenesis and energy expenditure after a high-protein, carbohydrate-free diet.. American Journal Of Clinic Nutrition. 90 (3).

Johnston CS, Day CS, Swan PD.. (2009). Postprandial thermogenesis is increased 100% on a high-protein, low-fat diet versus a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet in healthy, young women.. Journal Of American College Nutrition. 21 (1).