We all know the benefits of whey for increasing your intake of high-quality protein, weight loss and muscle growth. But did you know that whey protein has tremendous nutritional and therapeutic effects?
The stereotypical view of whey protein
Let’s be honest. Whey protein doesn’t have the best reputation. Thinking of a protein shake, you see someone - usually a man - exercising like crazy in the gym. More than anything, he may just care about his ever growing muscles. You may even have the image of a man who often times is not only in love with his protein shake but who also indulges in the nasty business of steroids. This is not a particularly sexy image, we agree. What is sexy, is a healthy body that is mindfully taken care of. Both in the gym and outside.
Whey is a superfood
You may be less aware of the nutritional and therapeutic powers of whey protein. In nutritional terms, whey protein is officially a superfood, but only few of us realise that. Whey contains the full scope of amino acids and elevated levels of antioxidants, vitamin D and Omega-3. With all the essential amino acids, it provides a complete package of building blocks that our body constantly needs to repair, rebuild and rejuvenate. Being the only food that scored a 101 out of 100 on the bioavailability scale, the protein from whey is also super easy for your body to absorb.
Whey is an antioxidant and an immunity-booster
If that’s not enough already, whey protein has some tremendous therapeutic qualities. Because whey proteins are very rich in the sulfur containing amino acids cysteine and methionine, their immune-boosting effects are great. This is due to the process through which amino acids convert into glutathione. Glutathione is known as “the mother of all antioxidants" and is used by every cell and tissue in the body. The compound is particularly important for DNA synthesis and repair, reducing the oxidative stress and inflammation, slowing down the aging process and supporting brain health. With all these functions, optimal glutathione levels are essential for preventing degenerative diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Whey is anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial
In addition to boosting immunity, whey has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities. This is due to its compound, lactoferrin, which is the second most abundant protein in breast milk and is responsible for conferring immunity on new-borns. Lactoferrin inhibits the survival, growth and spread of bacteria, viruses, tumors and fungal infections. Its antioxidantand antibacterial properties come from its ability to bind iron. Recent research has confirmed lactoferrin’s antibacterial activity against a number of organisms, including Candida Albicans, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium.
Whey prevents cardiovascular diseases
Lactoferrin is also effective at reducing cholesterol levels, which gives whey a potent power to prevent heart disease. This power is enhanced by whey's ability to interact with regulatory enzymes that control blood pressure and influence them to lower it. The latest research from the University of Reading in the U.K. found that taking a whey protein powder could reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 8%.
Getting your whey protein right
As you’re now probably thinking of stocking up on your whey protein, you need to remember that in order for it to be the most effective, it has to be TOP quality. You definitely want your whey to come from the purest source possible. This means your whey should come from ORGANIC, GRASS-FED AND FREE-RANGE cows. Why? Because you won't be taking in any of the nasty stuff that usually comes with non-organic whey. Things like pesticides, GMO feed, and synthetic hormones.
You also want to avoid certain additives. Look out for preservatives, soya protein, chemicals, artificial sweeteners, vegetable oils and fats, milk solids, skim milk powders, caseins, gums and refined sugar.
The less, the better, that is the rule. Just like in our Motion Nutrition Organic Classic Whey Protein that is made from 100% organic milk from European pastures, and nothing else!
