We are all somewhat familiar the gym rat stereotype – shredded bodybuilders knocking back a protein shake after coming out of the gym with blood pumping through their veins. Whey protein might be foreign to those with sedentary lifestyle but the truth is it doesn’t just belong to the bodybuilders’ world. Don’t be deferred from the stereotype, whey protein doesn’t just help increase strength or build muscles but also serves as a powerful tool during weight loss. That being said, you can whip up a whey protein smoothie too to supplement your diet even if you’re not so much of a regular gym goer.
What’s Whey Protein?
For those who didn’t know, milk actually contains two types of protein – casein and whey. Whey is derived from milk and produced as a byproduct during the cheese production process, then gets processed and sold as chocolate or strawberry flavoured powder. Different types of whey protein like concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate contain different levels of protein and digestibility. You can add whey protein to your breakfast smoothie with avocado, vegetables or fruits. If chugging protein shake smoothie doesn’t quite float your boat, then you can considering making protein bars, oatmeal or even pancakes and pizza infused with whey protein.
Why’s Whey Protein Good for Weight Loss?
Whey protein has been shown to aid weight loss by reving up metabolism and suppressing munchies. Whey protein contains many bioactive compounds, such as glymocro peptide which has been shown to increase the gut hormone that is instrumental in enhancing satiety. Munchies are usually caused by a massive spike of glucose and insulin level after a meal loaded with carbs. Whey protein plays an important role in helping you curb cravings and keep your hunger in check by releasing incretins to promote steady blood glucose. It also helps to maintain muscle mass during weight loss. In short, taking whey protein is the best way to regulate hunger, stabIlise blood glucose and ditch weights
Other Health Benefits of Whey Protein
Whey protein is touted as the best studied and most nutrient-dense supplement that can enhance overall health. Apart from aiding weight loss by boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite, whey protein also helps prevent our muscle mass from declining with age as it contains a type of amino acids called laucine that doesn’t just help suppress appetite but also can promote muscle growth. Taking whey protein also helps cut the risk of getting chronic inflammation as it has been shown to reduce blood levels of C-reactive protein. Other health benefits of whey protein include strengthening the body’s antioxidant defenses and regulating blood pressure, etc