Whey protein is one of the well-studied supplements in the world. Whey is actually the watery part of milk that you usually see during cheese production. It will then go through various processing to become a whey protein powder.
Does Whey Protein Help Lose Fat?
Protein is an important nutrient not just for bodybuilding but also for weight loss. In particular, whey protein is often the choice for losing weight without sacrificing muscle mass. One of its main benefits is the high concentration of BCAAs or branched-chain amino acids compared to other protein sources.
BCAAs consist of three essential amino acids, namely, leucine, valine and isoleucine. These amino acids contribute significantly to muscle protein synthesis and provide energy during exercises. Protein synthesis not only builds muscles but also burns fat through fatty acid oxidation.
A recent study also showed how fat storage is blocked when taking whey protein powder, thanks to the role of BCAAs, particularly leucine. This fat-blocking mechanism leads to fat loss, thus helping you cut belly fat.
A study showed how one group of dieters that was given whey protein lost a significant amount of fat compared to the group given a placebo.
Furthermore, a study in 2006 found that adding 60 grams of whey protein daily in one’s diet led to weight and fat loss after six months compared to soy protein or carbohydrates.
Having whey protein in your diet makes it easier for your body to convert fat to muscles because it uses fats as energy during weight lifting or when doing another form of exercise.
Keep the muscle, lose the fats
There are many instances where people lose weight, but, at the same time, lose their muscle mass. This happens when your body breaks down muscles to be used as fuel because it doesn’t have sufficient calories during exercise.
But when you take whey protein powder to supplement your exercise routine, the body will use the amino acids from the whey and not from your muscles. These amino acids also promote muscle protein synthesis which builds new muscles and protects the existing ones.
How Good is Whey Protein?
Different protein sources are available, but whey is better because it is easily absorbed, and it contains all nine essential amino acids required by the body. Thus, adding whey protein to your daily diet is a good step for weight loss and staying healthy in general.
Our body produces limited amino acids and most of the essential acids we get from our food. However, you need to have a diverse source of protein intake in order to get the complete nine amino acids needed by the body. The good news is, whey contains all those essentials and can help you get those essential amino acids without too much food preparation.
Moreover, whey protein powder is easy to prepare. Simply add a few scoops of whey powder in your morning shake or post-workout drink, and you are good to go. Whey protein doesn’t taste well on its own; that is why you’ll find many flavoured ones in the market. It is also important to check the ingredients list to make sure there are no added sugars.
What Does Whey Protein Do?
By now, you know that protein is the basic building block of the body. From organs, skin, tendons, muscles, neurotransmitters, enzymes and hormones, all of these need proteins to function.
In particular, whey protein is helpful in the following:
Building muscles
Muscles love protein, and it is needed during recovery and building new ones. Whey protein is perfect for building muscles because it contains a specific amino acid, the BCAAs, which are essential in muscle building.
Nutritional boost
Given that whey protein is complete in amino acids, it can help those suffering from long-term chronic conditions that need a nutritional boost in their daily diet. Whey is easy to swallow and prepare, so it is a convenient source of nutrients for individuals who have difficulty in eating or swallowing.
Wound healing
Protein makes wounds heal faster due to the amino acids present in the body. Given that amino acids are building blocks, they are vital in the repair and healing of body tissues. For those who have an injury or underwent surgery, increasing protein in their diet will help with wound healing.
Weight Loss
Protein is known to be helpful in weight loss. This macronutrient reduces cravings and late-night snacking up to 30% because of its satiating effect. It also increases metabolism, helping your body burn more.
How to Look for the Best Whey Protein
One of the commonly used proteins, whey is one of the best supplements for daily consumption. To find the best protein for you, understand what your needs are. Some considerations you need to look at are:
- Is it for building muscles? Is it for weight loss?
- Do you have diabetes, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal problems?
- What is your budget limit for supplements?
Once you have identified your personal and health needs, finding the best whey protein for your lifestyle will be easier.
Types of Whey Protein
- Whey protein concentrate is the basic form of whey protein. It contains fats and sugar in lactose form.
- On the other hand, whey isolates underwent further processing that eliminated the majority of sugar and fats. The content now is mainly protein. However, isolates can cost more because of the additional processing they went through.
- Whey hydrolysate is a protein that is broken down further so it can be absorbed quickly by the body. But hydrolysate can be a bit bitter, thus requiring more flavouring and additives. It also costs more than the typical whey protein.
There is a lot of whey protein in the Australian market that can fit your preference and budget. If your goal is to lose belly fat, whey protein is a handy supplement to complement your diet and exercise regimen. You will not regret incorporating protein in your daily intake because it has various other health benefits aside from losing belly fat.
For a wide range of whey protein powder, check us out at Team Flex. We have an extensive selection of whey protein powder from the world’s biggest brands. Visit our page now!