What is whey protein, its health benefits & side effects

A well-toned, lean and muscular body is something that many of us aspire to attain. It’s no mystery that the road to achieving such a physique is by rigorous workout and a strict diet regime. According to many nutritionists and fitness trainers, diet plays a major and vital role in bodybuilding. No matter how many hours you sweat in the gym, it is of no use until it is balanced with the right diet. Usually, one of the most important nutrients required for building muscle is - Protein.

It is a macronutrient that is essential in building muscle mass. Commonly found in animal products, it is also present in various vegetarian sources such as nuts and legumes. However, many times, the body needs more amount of protein than it can derive from natural sources. It is in such situations that supplements like 'Whey Protein' come into play.

If you are a regular gym-goer or planning to join one, there are high chances that you will come across the term ‘Whey Protein’. Here is all you need to know about whey protein, its health benefits and side effects.

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Whey protein is a mixture of proteins isolated from whey, which is the liquid part of milk that separates during cheese production. Whey protein is commonly used for improving athletic performance and increasing strength. Whey protein is considered a complete protein as it contains all 9 essential amino acids. It is low in lactose content.

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Milk contains two main types of protein: casein (80 per cent) and whey (20 per cent). Whey is found in the watery portion of milk. In the process of cheese production, the fatty parts of the milk coagulate and the whey is separated from it as a byproduct. After being separated during cheese production, whey goes through various processing steps to become whey protein, which is added to shakes, meal replacements and protein bars. Whey protein does not taste very good on its own, which is why it is usually flavoured.

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1. Whey protein is effective for the prevention of age-related muscle loss, as well as for improved strength and a better-looking body.

In moderate doses, whey protein does not typically cause any adverse events. However, consuming very high doses can cause the following health problems.