In the realm of protein supplements, Whey Protein Isolate reigns at the top-tier level. This low-fat, low-carb, and lactose-free dietary supplement boasts of 90-95% protein content. For athletes and bodybuilders who want to increase muscle mass and minimize fat, whey protein isolate is the best choice. Sports/Gym Trainers across the world recommend the use of whey protein isolate for its performance-boosting capabilities. Ideally, your protein supplement intake needs to be determined by your age, the rigorousness of your workout/sports regime, and your body weight. Whey Protein Isolate, being easily digestible, is a popular choice for preparing both pre-workout and post-workout protein shakes.
How is Whey Protein Isolate manufactured?
- Milk is curdled to separate the solid casein from the liquid whey component.
- The liquid whey is heated and condensed to obtain a solid whey concentrate.
- The Whey Protein Concentrate thus obtained contains around 80% protein and 20% lactose and fat content.
- Some manufacturers don’t go further and sell this Whey Protein Concentrate. Whey Protein Concentrate is a decent option for consumers who seek an 80% protein supplement with lactose and fat priced cheaper.
- Whey Protein Isolate Manufacturers carry out micro-filtration of the whey protein concentrate. There are multiple micro-filtration cycles till 90-95% protein content is achieved. Only about 5% fat and lactose are remaining.
- Low-temperature micro-filtration in a controlled environment ensures that the nutritional goodness of whey protein remains intact.
- The final Whey Protein Isolate is an enriched source of 95% protein with little fats and carbs. It is characterized by its silky-smooth texture and ease of dissolving.
What are the Health Benefits of Whey Protein Isolate?
There are several remarkable health benefits of whey protein isolate. Especially for gym-enthusiasts aiming at bulging biceps, six-pack abs, muscular physique, and great stamina, this is the ideal protein supplement. Here’s a look at the top advantages of using whey protein isolate as a protein supplement before and after workouts:-
- Whey protein isolate is an excellent source of protein since it has nine vital amino acids in adequate proportions. This stimulates the muscle-building process in your body. Protein synthesis aided by whey protein consumption counters muscle degeneration and increases muscle strength.
- Unlike other rich protein sources, whey protein isolate is easy to digest and assimilate. This ensures fast action when consumed both before and after your workout.
- As opposed to other milk-based proteins, the lactose content of whey protein isolate is negligible. Thus it can be easily consumed by those who are lactose-intolerant.
- For those aiming at not just muscle-building but also weight loss, whey protein isolate is ideal. This is because of two reasons. First, as discussed above, the milk fat content is significantly less. Secondly, consuming a whey protein shake is very filling and reduced hunger pangs. Hence it helps in preventing binge-eating due to uncontrollable hunger.
- Due to strenuous workouts, the antioxidants-production in the body is lowered, bringing down immunity. Being rich in amino acids, Whey Protein Isolate helps build immunity by boosting the production of antioxidants like Glutathione.
Why is Whey Protein Isolate better than Whey Protein Concentrate?
There is a never-ending debate between choosing Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Concentrate. Costlier amongst the two, whey protein isolate has far more benefits. Owing to its higher protein content and lower fats/ lactose content, it is undoubtedly a better supplement on the whole. But that doesn’t mean that whey protein concentrate is not a good option. It is just a matter of personal choice, individual fitness goals, and budgetary constraints.
How to Use Whey Protein Isolate?
- The first step is to determine the amount of whey protein concentrate you need to take. Many reputed online fitness/supplement stores have protein requirement charts that you can consult.
- The main factors determining this are your age, gender, body weight, activeness/workout schedule, and fitness goals.
- The most common benchmark is consuming 0.8 grams of whey protein for every 1 kg of your body weight. If you are an athlete/sportsperson with special fitness training requirements, this proportion can be increased to 1.5 grams per kg.
- It is always better to consult a fitness expert/nutritionist if you are unsure in this regard.
- Since whey protein isolate is fast-absorbing, its best consumption is immediately after a workout. Working out stimulates blood flow to your muscles and creates a state of negative nitrogen balance. Replenishing these amino acids with a whey protein shake post-workout is a sure-shot way of creating a positive nitrogen balance. This boosts protein synthesis and aids in muscle growth.
Conclusion
As discussed above, whey protein isolate is one of the most effective protein supplements. To reap the maximum benefits from your workout regime and achieve a toned, muscular physique, whey protein intake is certainly recommended in adequate proportions. Its ease of digestion, assimilation, fat-reduction and performance-boosting capabilities make it all the more worthwhile!