Although there are many areas of health and nutrition still open to debate or even controversy, a lot of time and effort has gone into studying the effects of whey protein on the body. Most questions surrounding this supplement have been answered, and the verdict – with very few exceptions – is that whey protein is a beneficial addition to you diet, especially if you lead an active lifestyle.

Whey, which is derived from milk, is a great source of protein. Though it can be used for weight gain, whey’s inherent qualities don’t promote it. When hydrolyzed, whey becomes easily digestible and loses its lactose. This makes it ideal for anyone, including those with lactose allergies or sensitive stomachs. Whey protein has many benefits, too. It promotes absorption, reduces appetite, and builds muscle. It’s versatile, so you can use it to reach your health goals. Whether you want to gain, maintain, or lose weight, whey protein can help.

At ENU, we care about formulating the best protein shakes for our customers. If you’ve been thinking about adding whey protein to your diet, visit our website to purchase ENU Nutritional Shakes with whey protein or call us today at (855) 266-6733.

What is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is a mix of several proteins extracted from whey, the liquid part of milk that is separated during the production of cheese. Have you ever opened a container of yogurt and found some clear or milky liquid sitting on top? That’s whey.

Of course, the whey protein most people recognize does not come in a liquid form. This is because the whey is processed after it’s harvested: the liquid whey is heated to kill any bacteria, then strained and dried to create the powder we tend to be more familiar with. Contained within that silty substance are all nine essential amino acids, which means whey is considered a complete protein.

Keep in mind that whey protein comes in several forms, the chief among them being concentrates and isolates. Whey protein concentrate is probably the most popular form of whey protein; it’s generally considered the best-tasting form and still retains some fat and lactose. ENU Nutritional Shakes have 20 grams of 100% hydrolyzed whey protein per serving. When whey protein is hydrolyzed, it becomes lactose-free, which is ideal for those with milk allergies. Lactose-intolerant people may hear the word whey and get deterred. However, whey protein isolate is easier to digest, however, and it has a very high percentage of protein to weight – in most cases, the powder is more than 90 percent protein.

The Effects of Whey Protein

The effects of whey protein on the body have been well-documented. In many ways, it offers similar outcomes to other forms of protein, but with the notable advantage of faster absorption into the system. This does more than simply save time; faster absorption means more effective muscle recovery after a workout. Whey can also reduce your appetite and boost your metabolism, allowing you to maintain or lose weight more easily.

Absorbs Quickly

Lifting weights or performing cardio causes your muscles to break down; you build strength by allowing those muscles to reform stronger and more durable than before. Your body can’t do this until the proteins you ingest are processed by your system, though. That’s why it’s beneficial to opt for a protein shake that promotes fast absorption, like ENU Nutritional Shakes with whey protein. Our shakes contain an additional four grams of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) per serving, too. You can consume whey protein 30 minutes to an hour prior to a workout to get the energy to exercise.

This is what makes proteins that are quickly absorbed the superior choice for anyone looking to recover from a workout. Being lactose intolerant shouldn’t prevent you from using the best protein substance. A lactose-free whey protein shake can aid in quick absorption for anyone, even people with a lactose allergy.

Reduces Appetite

Ingesting whey protein can also provide a number of other benefits. Because your body has to burn more calories to digest protein than it does with carbohydrates, proteins can help boost your body’s metabolism. There is also evidence to suggest that whey protein reduces the levels of ghrelin – also called the “hunger hormone” – in your system, which makes it easier for you to resist cravings and curb your appetite. Whey is also notably low in fats and carbs, especially in its isolate form.

A slow metabolism can lead to unintentional, unhealthy weight loss. By increasing your protein intake with whey, your metabolism can speed up. A fast metabolism isn’t necessarily synonymous with weight loss. It just means that your body burns more calories when at rest. This can help you maintain your weight or help you drop a few pounds.

Builds Muscle

Out of every protein substance, whey has the highest leucine content at 10%. Leucine is one of the nine essential amino acids responsible for protein synthesis. The leucine in whey can help you gain and maintain muscle mass. Leucine not only builds muscle but it repairs it more quickly. That means less downtime between workouts for athletes and faster results for novices wanting to gain muscle mass. Perhaps what makes whey protein most appealing to users is its unparalleled ability to help in building muscle.

The effects of whey protein on the body make it desirable to different types of people. Whey protein promotes quick absorption, reduces appetite, and hastens muscle growth. These qualities allow whey protein to help anyone reach their health goals, regardless of what they are.

Will It Make Me Gain Weight?

Generally speaking, determining whether you will gain or lose weight is a simple calculation of calories ingested minus calories used; any that are left over are stored as fat. This holds true for protein as well, although it adds a dimension to this calculation: protein builds and preserves muscle, and muscle is dense.

In fact, this is what makes whey a favorite of athletes and fitness fanatics. No source of protein is better for helping you to gain muscle mass as part of an active lifestyle. That’s because whey has the highest leucine content among proteins. This could lead to some weight gain, but any pounds added through working out and consuming protein will be muscle – a healthy and welcome addition to the body, in most cases.

Aside from those who use it to purposefully bulk up, people who use whey protein are actually more likely to lose weight as a result. As mentioned above, consuming protein boosts your metabolism and makes you feel full for longer periods of time, two features that aid in weight loss. As an added bonus, you can be reasonably certain that any weight you lose will be mostly fat, since the proteins preserve the muscles in the body.

It is important to bear in mind, however, that you cannot ignore the caloric side of the equation. If you consume a 400-calorie protein shake on top of your normal diet, the addition of those calories will most likely lead to weight gain. Regardless of what you eat or drink, keeping track of your calories is the most reliable way to manage your weight.

Will Whey Protein Help Me Lose Weight?

Whey protein is appealing because it can help you reach your health goals, whatever they may be. Some people use protein shakes to replace a snack or meal throughout the day and reduce their caloric intake. While you have to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight, that doesn’t mean you can’t do so healthily. Because whey has hunger-suppressant qualities, it can help you lose weight. If you consume it alongside other nutrients, you can reach your health goals.

Protein shakes made with the right ingredients can satiate you for longer so that you can lose weight. While ENU Nutritional Shakes with whey protein can make you feel full, it’s not just because of the protein choice. If you want to use protein shakes to lose weight, it’s important to choose a product that has a balanced blend of nutrients.

Protein is one of the three macronutrients. The other two are carbs and fats. When people think about the last two macronutrients, they rarely think of weight loss. However, carbs and fats can help you lose weight safely. Healthy weight loss can be achieved through diet and exercise. The complex carbohydrates in ENU Nutritional Shakes with whey protein give your body the energy it needs to thrive and perform during exercise. Fats protect your bodily functions and keep vital organs safe. Though whey protein can suppress hunger on its own, it can safely promote weight loss if paired with the right ingredients.

When consumed in the right way, whey protein can also protect your body as you lose weight. If you drop pounds too quickly, you could lose muscle mass. The leucine content in whey promotes protein synthesis in the body. With an increased leucine intake, your muscles can grow and repair more quickly. Whey protein can help you lose weight while retaining lean muscle mass.

Are Other Proteins Better Than Whey?

In terms of competition for the title of best protein, whey wins. The benefits of whey protein make it superior to other substances. Vegetable proteins hardly have the properties of whey, and meat proteins come with a whole list of risks. Especially when hydrolyzed, whey protein is accessible for all.

While many people get sufficient protein in their daily diet, that’s not true for everyone. Athletes and bodybuilders require more protein to support muscle growth. Medical patients need additional protein to regain their strength. When protein intake is paired with exercise, it’s important that it doesn’t cause an upset stomach. If you drink ENU Nutritional Shakes with whey protein before a workout, you won’t have to worry about discomfort. Whey dissolves much more quickly than other proteins, especially when coupled with additional MCTs. That quality makes whey protein ideal for those undergoing medical treatment as well. Oncology and cystic fibrosis patients often experience nausea or an inability to absorb nutrients. Whey promotes absorption and reduces the risk of causing an upset stomach.

An allergy or diet shouldn’t prevent you from getting the nutrients you need. For example, as opposed to other protein substances, Nutritional Shakes with whey protein are soy-, gluten-, and lactose-free. Whey is a superior protein substance because it’s so versatile. You can use it to reach your health goals, whatever they may be.

Why Whey Can Lead to a Healthier, Leaner You

As you can see, the benefits of consuming whey protein are considerable: it helps you build muscle and burn fat, all while easing your battle with hunger. ENU Nutritional Shakes contain 20 grams of whey protein isolate in each carton, making them a convenient and efficient source you can bring with you to work, the gym, or the basketball court. To learn more about ENU Nutritional Shakes with whey protein, visit us online or call ENU today at (855) 266-6733.