What is whey protein?
Protein molecules are generally extracted, for the purpose of use in protein fortified foods, from a few main food sources: Dairy or cow milk (e.g. Whey and Casein), and Plants (e.g. Pea, Soy, Hemp). The isolated molecules are not identical in their structure- therefore, protein isolates derived from different food products come with varying benefits (4, 6) Whey protein molecules are found in cow milk. The protein molecules are extracted from the dairy through a series of filtration methods. These filtration methods separate the protein molecules from most of the other dairy compounds like lactose (7). Following the initial filtration, what is left is called “whey concentrate”. Whey concentrate is then continually filtered until the contents of the filtered material are almost solely whey protein molecules- creating “whey isolate”.
Benefits of Whey Protein
People most commonly associate protein supplementation with bodybuilders, strength competitors and high level athletes. Some people may recognize protein supplementation as something used by the medical field as an integral addition to elderly patient’s diet regimen. Fewer may recognize protein supplementation as a preemptive measure to combat muscle degeneration and tissue damage. Protein, as a basic nutritional necessity, cannot be overstated. Our bodies are made of cells, and each of those cells are fundamentally constructed from protein molecules.
It’s been documented that many of our diets are protein deficient. While this deficiency seems unlikely considering the prevalence of the meat-heavy American diet, many studies have shown that the protein that we do take in is frequently accompanied by many wasteful and damaging ingredients (processed sugars, linoleic acids) (5, 8).
Increased protein intake has been shown to promote tissue repair, muscle growth and to encourage illness recovery. So in reality, whey isolate protein supplementation offers substantial health benefits to most everyone.
Protein isolate supplementation (specifically whey protein isolate) has been shown to provide the fastest protein absorption rate, when compared to standard food protein intake. Fast absorption rate means the maximum amount of protein molecules enter the bloodstream, and are delivered to damaged, or recovering cells, without being passed through the digestive system as waste. Which means VADE’s 100% Whey Isolate Protein is perfect for immediate muscle recovery after a workout, and can help build lean muscle mass.