If you have ever been on most social media pages, you will always see some sort of a fitness guru. Whether it is through video or pictures, most of them would share what they would be doing during the day. Some of them even do exercises on camera and would attempt a mini-coaching session with their followers. However, what you would mostly see is the food that they are eating. It always looks healthy, with all the vegetables and natural products that they consume. There is one thing though that is also present most of the time, there seems to be a lot of confusion with it. It is this thick smoothie-like drink known as protein shakes.
Surprisingly, there are many kinds of protein used in this application. However, the most popular option for many users is the whey kind. You can see these sold in canisters or large containers in some health food stores and even supermarkets. Some versions can be drunk straight from its container. Gym goers and normal people drink it all the time, but the former is the target audience. The question is: who needs it more? What are the benefits of drinking this substance?
The Basics of Whey Protein
Many people have already heard of whey protein because of influencers online. It is almost always in shake or smoothie form, sometimes pink or chocolate in color. However, it is originally in powdered form. It comes from milk, which is then treated with coagulants like rennet to separate it into two: whey and curds. Read more about it in this link. The latter product is the one that might be more familiar to most people as it is used to make cheese. On the other hand, the whey would still be in liquid form. Once processed, it turns into a powder that can be dissolved.
Now, whey has many uses. For one, it is a great source of protein which is important in muscle building. It helps in binding the muscular fibers and makes them sturdier and respond better to exercise. This is why it is an important drink to have at the gym especially for those who are building more muscles. This kind is more convenient to consume since you do not have to do much with it. You just need to dissolve it in water and then you are done.
It is also great for increasing the speed and endurance of a person. Since it is so much easier to consume, it would be like a full meal once you drink this smoothie. People on a diet can also use this as a way to lose weight. You can still feel full without all the calories involved.
Furthermore, it is also a great source of protein for those who cannot eat meat. There are many reasons why this would be the case. One would be for religious reasons are there are some sects all around the world which forbid it. There are also some health and personal reasons. Meanwhile, there are other alternatives to those who cannot use whey protein. There are products like pea and soy protein which can be great substitutes.
As mentioned before, many stores all over the world sell whey protein. You need to note though that there are two kinds of this: isolate and concentrate. Isolate holds more protein and less of the other stuff like carbs and fat. Since this is more processed, it is also more expensive than the concentrate one. However, you would get more protein with isolate. If you are going to the gym all the time and planning to build your body, we would recommend using the best whey protein isolate powder Australia has to offer. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with using the concentrate. You just need to see which one would be best for your situation.
Conclusion
Overall, whey is best if you are looking for a meal substitute or you are religiously going to the gym. It is a good way to control what you are eating while still having enough protein in your body. For some, it can also be used to gain weight like for those who are having difficulty in doing so like HIV-AIDS patients. It is also little to no evidence of its danger to the body.
On the other hand, you need to check with your physician first before using whey protein. Certain people like those who are lactose intolerant might feel discomfort and nausea after using it. If you are allergic to milk products, we would suggest other alternatives. Also, if you have other preexisting conditions, getting a doctor’s advice would be the best course of action. Taking in some specific medications like some antibiotics might hinder each other’s effects from working.