Milk is considered to be one of the healthiest food products that people of all ages can consume. Milk is made up of two proteins-casein and whey. Whey protein is a complete protein that can be obtained by separating the whey from casein as a by-product of cheese making. Whey protein is considered to be very nutritious and contains all nine amino acids that are needed by the body. Whey protein has very low lactose content and today is one of the best ranked supplements that are used.

Whey protein contains Beta-lactoglobulin, Alpha-lactalbumin, Bovine serum albumin and Immunoglobins. Whey protein is available in three forms for use:

• Whey protein concentrate: Whey protein concentrate contains low levels of fats as well as low levels of carbohydrates. The protein concentration in this type of whey protein may vary from 30% to 90%.
• Whey protein isolate: Whey protein isolate does not contain any fats or lactose. The concentration of proteins is at least 90% in whey protein isolates.
• Whey protein hydrolysate: Whey protein hydrosylate is whey protein that has undergone the process of hydrolysis i.e. it is made easily digestible. This type of whey protein is the best used as supplements because of its better absorbability by the body.

Whey protein has a high nutritional value and is considered to be highly beneficial for the body. Whey protein provides the body with high quality proteins that the body requires performing its several functions. Whey protein can effectively promote the overall health and immunity. One of the main benefits of whey protein is that or promotes muscle growth. Whey protein contains an amino acid called leucine. Leucine is considered to be the best growth promoter. Therefore, the consumption of whey protein helps to prevent the age related muscle loss and helps to build strong muscles. Whey protein is considered the best supplement that helps in the maintenance and growth of the muscles.

Whey proteins contain bioactive peptides called lactokinins. These peptides are considered great for lowering blood pressure in people who suffer from high blood pressure. Thus whey protein can help to maintain the blood pressure and thereby reduce the risk of heart diseases. Whey protein also helps to maintain a balance of blood sugar levels. Whey protein regulates the level of blood sugar by working on the insulin levels in the blood. The consumption of whey protein therefore helps lower the blood sugar level especially in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Whey protein therefore protects the body against several types of cardio-vascular diseases.

Whey protein can help to reduce inflammation, chronic inflammation in the body maybe harmful and may be the underlying cause of several other health problems. The consumption of whey protein lowers the level of C-reactive proteins in the blood. C-reactive proteins are inflammation markers in the body. Therefore, by controlling the level of C-reactive protein, whey protein can help to reduce inflammation of the various body parts. The consumption of whey protein may also help to get rid of the inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract and therefore may help to get rid of inflammatory bowel diseases thereby regulating easy bowel movements.

Whey protein also helps to boost the anti-oxidant defences of the body. Whey protein is rich in amino acids like cysteine which are essential for the formation of the most powerful anti-oxidant, glutathione in the body. Therefore, the consumption of whey protein strengthens immune system of the body by enabling the production of anti-oxidants in the body.

Whey protein can also help to maintain cholesterol levels. The consumption of whey protein promotes the formation of good cholesterol and lowers the bad cholesterol in the blood and therefore prevents the blocking of arteries and blood vessels. It can therefore help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Whey protein also helps in weight loss as it makes one feel more satiated and increases the rate of metabolism thereby burning fats more quickly and enabling one to maintain a healthy weight.

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