Something that we don’t usually worry about or discuss in this blog is where the supplements we’re promoting actually come from. In an effort to promote full disclosure, we’re going to be discussing the most common supplement we talk about day in and day out. Protein, specifically whey protein, is a dire essential for almost all of us, no matter what our fitness goals are and regardless of the regimen that we’re on or participating in . It’s probably a good idea to understand exactly what whey protein is, and answer the question: Where does whey protein come from? If we’re going to be ingesting so much of it…
What is Whey?
Whey is a biproduct of curdling milk. As milk starts to curdle, it coagulates into curd which is how cheese is made. The leftover liquid that doesn’t separate in to curd is the whey. Usually yellow in color, whey is used to make a variety of products but all we really care about right now is the whey protein we use to supplement our hard work. A fantastic source for our body’s amino acids, whey protein has quickly become the number one supplement worldwide .
Unless you are lactose intolerant, you likely drink milk. Even if you don’t, you are well aware that milk is good for us. We give it to our children, our animals, and use it in a wide variety of foods we prepare in the kitchen. Obviously, milk is not bad for you, it is actually very good for you. Whey protein takes the benefits we realize by ingesting milk to the next level…
What? Whey Protein Comes From Milk? I’m Still Confused…
That’s okay, you’ve never really had to think about this before. Whey protein is basically dried out separated milk. All of the fat, lactose, and cholesterol is left behind in the curd. The whey is dried and packaged, distributed for health nuts just like you all around the world!
The amino acids found in both isolated and concentrated whey promote muscle recovery, energy levels, and stave off hunger. Muscles aren’t the only benefactors from whey protein consumption. “Milk builds strong bones” is a campaign you’ve heard throughout your life. That is definitely true. The calcium influx from the amino acids in milk enhance the density of our bones, making them stronger. Those same beneficial properties are found in whey protein.
*** Related: How Much Protein Do I Need? ***
Isolated Whey Protein? Concentrated Whey Protein?
Ignore the meaning of the words themselves. Isolated whey protein is 90%+ pure protein, meaning that’s the stuff you really want. If you’re not as concerned with weight loss or weight gain avoidance, you can get away with the concentrated whey protein. The concentrated stuff ranges anywhere from 30% to 89% pure whey protein in a powdered mix. This stuff generally tastes a bit better but isn’t quite as effective. The lower the whey protein potency, the higher the fat levels or “filler” products dumped in to your mix . Our goal at Vaxxen has been to provide you with the best possible product that your money can buy. WheyXX helps you reach your daily protein requirement without adding calories and carbs to your diet
- Volek JS1, Volk BM, Gómez AL, Kunces LJ, Kupchak BR, Freidenreich DJ, Aristizabal JC, Saenz C, Dunn-Lewis C, Ballard KD, Quann EE, Kawiecki DL, Flanagan SD, Comstock BA, Fragala MS, Earp JE, Fernandez ML, Bruno RS, Ptolemy AS, Kellogg MD, Maresh CM, Kraemer WJ.
Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass.
J Am Coll Nutr. 2013;32(2):122-35. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2013.793580.
- Jay R. Hoffman✉* and Michael J. Falvo*
Protein – Which is Best?
J Sports Sci Med. 2004 Sep; 3(3): 118–130. Published online 2004 Sep 1.