The Whey to Better Health

            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!

Had the original writer of this nursery rhyme taken into account that whey assists the body in building and maintaining strong muscles and immune health, Little Miss Muffet might as well have become Ms. Olympia. 

            Literary allusions aside, there’s no question whey protein is a choice supplement for bodybuilders, athletes, and growing children alike. This is due to the fact that whey protein contains branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), the building blocks for the body’s muscles.  Include in the list of those people who will receive health dividends from whey the elderly who tend to lose muscle tone as they age, and also people who are losing muscle due to diseases such as AIDS and cancer. 

            This article will expand on the benefits of using whey protein in your diet, the differences in whey proteins, and how they are processed. 

There are no known side effects or risks to whey protein supplements.  Whey is simply one of the healthiest nutrients you can provide for your body.

Humble Origins, Awesome Abilities

It would amaze you to know whey protein is a liquid by-product of the cheese industry and that it was formerly considered to be waste. When liquid whey is filtered and purified, it becomes whey protein.  Dehydrated whey has a very high protein content, yet very little fat and lactose. 

            On the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score, whey protein ranks off the charts, at a 1.14.  The maximum score for this rating is a 1.0.  Whey protein also has the highest biological value (the amount of protein retained from the absorbed protein) of any protein at 100, and a high protein efficiency ratio of 3.2 (the quality of a protein by showing the balance between the eight essential amino acids, those which the body cannot manufacture but must get from food), second only to egg protein, which scored slightly higher with a 3.9.

Whey’s Abilities Against Cancer and Hypertension

Studies have found that whey may potentially reduce cancer rates, combat HIV, improve immunity, reduce stress and lower cortisol, increase brain serotonin levels, improve liver function in those suffering from certain forms of hepatitis, reduce blood pressure, and improve performance (Altern Med Rev, 2004;9(2):136-156).

Cancer…

Whey protein can be very helpful for people undergoing treatment for cancer.  When a patient with cancer goes through radiation treatments, it is very difficult to provide the body with the nutrients needed to be stronger and healthier.  Whey protein is an excellent addition to a cancer patient’s diet because it is so easy to digest.  So easy, in fact, that it is also fed to premature infants. 

As mentioned before, the BCAAs found in whey are the active amino acids responsible for building the body. There are 3 specific components of the BCAAs that are the most important to the body: l-leucine, l-isoleucine, and l-valine.  These components are the ones that are responsible for 33 percent of muscle protein.  When l-glutamine, another essential amino acid, is added to these BCAAs, then the benefits are even greater.  There are increases in nitrogen retention, boosts in protein synthesis, and added protection for muscles.  L-glutamine is a building block for glutathione, one of the “most important water-soluble antioxidants” in the body. 

 Whey protein also provides the amino acid cysteine, which can help support the weakened immune system of cancer patients. Whey protein can also slow down the production in some cancerous tumors via the glutathione (GSH) pathway, the principal protective mechanism of the cell and a crucial factor in the development of the immune response by the immune cells (Anticancer Res, 2003;23(2B):1411-5.).  Antioxidants like glutathione fight against free radicals, which are known to harm cells and sometimes kill them. 

Hypertensive Patients….

            Hydrolyzed whey proteins are said to reduce blood pressure according to an article written by the Whey Protein Institute. This provides an option for people with hypertension without the side effects that drugs produce. A study was conducted at the University of Minnesota in June 2004 where people with mild hypertension were asked to take whey protein supplements for six weeks and make no other changes in their exercise and eating habits. According to the study, “Treatment resulted in a significant reduction in blood pressure levels by the end of the first week of treatment.  This effect was maintained throughout the study.”

Whey Protein: An Excellent Addition to Anyone’s Diet

            Whey protein supplements are not just for body builders anymore. Whey protein can also benefit those with diabetes.  Diabetics must watch what they eat very closely.  Whey protein is the best natural protein source they will find.  Red meat, for example is high in fat and cholesterol.  Whey protein has very low fat and cholesterol content.  Soy protein, which does have low fat and cholesterol, just doesn’t compare in nutritional value to whey protein.  Soy doesn’t contain the amino acid cysteine, which boosts the immune system. 

Whey for Children…

There are a growing number of mothers who are supplementing their children’s diets with whey protein as well.  Some children often resist eating the most common sources of protein—eggs, steak, chicken, pork, and numerous other types of meat. 

However, children need protein to grow healthy, strong muscles as well as to mend injuries.  Mothers are frequently at a loss in these difficult cases.  Whey protein supplements are an excellent solution to that problem.  Rather than fighting and nagging with a child about eating more meat and protein, let him or her enjoy a whey protein chocolate shake.  Children will drink the shakes with delight and moms can rest assured that they are drinking an excellent source of protein.

The Whey It Comes About

            Of course, now that we’ve discussed whey protein’s benefits, you’ll be hard pressed to figure out which whey protein product is of the best quality. We can start by focusing on the methods of processing whey into whey protein.  According to William D. Brink, who is an authority on the topic, there are two common methods for processing whey protein today.  They are ion exchange filtration (IEF) and cross-flow micro-filtration (CFMF). 

Whey protein needs to be processed at low temperatures to avoid denaturing, or impairing the benefits of, the protein.  Often during processing, the whey protein loses some of its components that provide the benefits listed above.  IEF can unintentionally filter out a few of the special components with the great health benefits listed above.  However, this type of filtration produces greater protein content with low fat and low lactose levels, high amounts of calcium, and low sodium, which are all good.  CFMF, on the other hand, is a natural process that is chemical free and does not remove the wonderful benefits of the whey.  It produces a high protein supplement that maintains its healthy benefits.  It also produces a low lactose and low fat protein.  So be sure your whey involves the best of both IEF and CFMF processes with an emphasis on CFMF, the more natural process.

Once processed, whey protein is either an isolate or a concentrate.  Whey isolates are superior to whey concentrates.  Whey isolates are the more pure of the two.  They have higher protein content, less fat, and less lactose.  It is also quite a bit more expensive to produce.  Whey protein concentrate is a more cost effective choice for manufacturers and any whey protein is still highly beneficial to the body.  According to the article, Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Concentrate, using a blend of the two proteins is nearly as good as straight isolated whey protein because the difference in the benefits is so miniscule.  Most companies use a blend of both isolated and concentrated whey proteins. 

            When it comes to choosing your whey protein supplement, Whey Pumped is an excellent consumer choice.   Available from trusted MRM (Metabolic Response Modifiers), Whey Pumped is fortified with l-glutamine, the building block for the super antioxidant glutathione.  It is all-natural and contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors.  It mixes great and tastes delicious!  MRM utilizes the “highly specialized” cross-flow filtration and ion exchange process, allowing the highest protein levels without harming the special amino acids. The fat content in Whey Pumped is a mere 1.5 grams.  There are a total of 4 carbohydrates and a whopping 18 grams of protein in just one serving.

            Metabolic Response Modifiers (MRM) is a company dedicated to utilizing the best ingredients.  They provide one of very few whey protein supplements that uses completely all natural ingredients and whose product is priced for value.  MRM reinvests 10 percent of their net sales back into research on nutrition.

            Whey protein has been used by athletes for years.  Studies continue to show more and more evidence showing that whey protein is much more than a supplement for athletes or bodybuilders. 

Here are five reasons we’ve picked Whey Pumped as a Healthy Living smart shopper’s choice.

1.      Many protein powders contain artificial sweeteners, flavoring agents and coal tar-based colors.  Now, we understand that some people don’t have a problem with the use of aspartame (Nutrasweet), acesulfame potassium (Sunette) or other such additives.  But, scientific studies suggest their muse might not be completely safe (especially acesulfame which has been shown to be cancer-causing in an experimental setting).  If you’re going to be a smart supplement shopper and shop for best products, then we think Whey Pumped is a smart choice, since it uses only natural nontoxic sweeteners.  It has no artificial colors or other additives, either.  Very smart.

2.      The protein in Whey Pumped is rated extremely high for essential amino acids, including all-important BCAAs, as well as digestion, absorption, utilization and retention. 

3.      Whey Pumped is also fortified with L-glutamine, which has been shown clinically to naturally stimulate the release of growth hormone and act as a building block for one of the body’s most important water-soluble antioxidants, glutathione.

4.      It is also very low in fat (only one gram per serving), it mixes instantly and it is great tasting.

5.      Not only can Whey Pumped can benefit those with a wide variety of health concerns ranging from the exceptionally healthy athlete, to those trying to maintain lean muscle mass or who are trying to maintain healthy blood pressure, it is also one of the most economically priced products.  Because it provides great quality with low price, it is a true shopping value.   

Fortunately, you don’t need to be Arnold Schwarzenegger to feel entitled to use whey protein. Children and regular adults alike will appreciate its following qualities:

*The use of whey protein supplements help to build lean, strong muscles.  For a growing child who prefers not to eat any meat, this is essential.  

*Whey protein is often used in infant formulas because it is easy to digest and is similar to breast milk.

*Whey protein contains all of the essential amino acids needed for a healthy growing body.

*Whey protein can be purchased in powder form and blended into a delicious shake.  These powders often come in child friendly flavors like vanilla and chocolate.

*Whey protein is low in fat and cholesterol.

*According to the Whey Protein Institute, whey proteins enhance physical performance, aid in weight loss, and promote cardiovascular health.

Children will love it!

Rather than fighting and nagging with your kids about eating more meat and protein, let them enjoy a whey protein chocolate shake.  Children will drink the shakes with delight and moms can rest assured that they are drinking an excellent source of protein.

Whey Protein and Chronic Hepatitis

In an open study the clinical efficacy of milk serum (whey) protein isolated from fresh milk and purified without heating was evaluated in 25 patients with chronic hepatitis B or C.[i]  Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was reduced, and plasma glutathione (GSH) levels increased in six and five of eight patients with chronic hepatitis B, respectively, 12 weeks after the start of the supplement.  Serum lipid peroxide levels significantly decreased, and interleukin (IL)-2 levels and natural killer (NK) activity significantly increased.  (However, there were no significant Immunocal beneficial changes in 17 patients with chronic hepatitis C.)  These findings suggest that the long-term supplementation of whey protein alone may be effective for improving liver dysfunctions in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

References

Bounous, G. & Molson, J.H. “The Antioxidant System.” Anticancer Res, 2003;23(2B):1411-5.

Brink, W. “The Whey It Is.” Body Building for You.  http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/protein/whey-protein-more-info.htm

Marshall, K. “Theraputic Applications of Whey Protein.” Altern Med Rev, 2004;9(2):136-156.

Warner, J.  “Whey Protein May Prevent Prostate Cancer.” WebMD Medical News Archive. 29 May 2003. Retrieved 25 Sept 2004. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/65/72804.htm

“Whey Protein.” Herbal Remedies web site. Retrieved September 25, 2004, from http://www.herbalremedies.com/wheyprotein.html

Whey Protein.  (2002). Iron Magazine web site. Retrieved September 25, 2004, from http://www.ironmagazine.com/review18.html

“Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Concentrate.” (2004). Body Building for You web site. 25 Sept  2004. http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/protein/whey-protein-isolate-concentrate.htm

“Whey Protein Supplements Appears to Inhibit ACE, Lowers BP.” 16 June 2004. Whey Protein Institute website. Accessed 25 Sept. 2004. http://www.wheyoflife.org/ada-article04.cfm

Whey Protein Supplements. (2004). Body Building for You web site. Retrieved September 25, 2004, from http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/protein/whey-protein-supplements.htm