Whey Protein: Health Benefits, Side Effects and Dangers

Adam Cheers
Whey Protein: Health Benefits, Side Effects and Dangers

What Is Whey Protein?

Whey is a component of milk. It exists in milk with other nutrients like water, carbohydrates, vitamins and casein. Whey protein is separated from casein during the cheese-making process and as the outcome of enzymatic reaction.

Whey protein is a popular substance. It is regarded as a complete protein because it comprises the nine essential amino acids, including leucine, valine and isoleucine or the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). This protein also comes with beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin and immunoglobulins.

What Does Whey Protein Do?

Whey protein is commonly used as a protein supplement. Whey helps improve the protein content of a person’s diet and is believed to have positive effects on the immune system. Also, the nutrient found in the best whey protein supplements is credited for increasing strength and improving one’s athletic performance.

1. Helps in weight loss
Boosting weight loss is among the most popular benefits that whey is being credited for. Whey effectively suppresses a person’s appetite or hunger because of its high satiety value. Thus, including whey in a protein diet is a good option for a person who wants to lose weight as it helps make the person feel full for a longer period. Additionally, whey is considered an effective weapon in fighting sugar cravings responsible for significant weight gains.

2. Helps lower cholesterol
A study conducted revealed that whey did good in lowering the cholesterol levels of 70 overweight subjects. When checks were conducted during the 12th week, there was a significant decrease in the subjects’ LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. That’s why many individuals with high cholesterol problems have been taking whey supplements despite the ongoing studies verifying the supplement’s effect on the issue.
3. Aids in muscle building
Many bodybuilders, athletes and gym enthusiasts are taking whey supplements because it is believed to help in increasing muscle mass and strength in various ways. Firstly, multiple studies show that this supplement comes with amino acids and proteins that serve as building blocks and boost muscle growth.

Secondly, regular whey protein intake boosts anabolic hormones, such as insulin that stimulates muscle growth. Thirdly, whey is high in leucine, an amino acid that increases muscle protein synthesis. Finally, whey is proven to help gain muscles because it is quickly absorbed and used by the body.
4. Provides other health benefits
Despite the limited number of studies backing various claims, whey protein is known to be effective in lowering one’s blood sugar and blood pressure. It is also known for increasing bone mineral density, providing protection against cancer and reducing the symptoms attributed to hepatitis.

Whey Protein Side Effects

Whey is proven safe. The substance is beneficial when taken at prescribed amounts and taken by mouth. However, when taken at high doses, whey could cause the following side effects.

  • Increased bowel movement
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Acne
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Thirst
  • Reduced appetite

When to Use Whey Protein

Taking whey in a prescribed amount at an appropriate time could provide many benefits. Doing this is also very helpful in preventing some of its known side effects. So, to obtain the desired results, it is best to use whey during the following.

  • Before bed to increase strength and boost exercise performance
  • Before and after exercise for improved performance and recovery
  • When maintaining muscle mass
  • When building muscles
  • When losing weight.

Best Sources of Whey Protein

Whey is a natural substance commonly found in milk, but it can also be found in other sources, such as the following:

  • Protein bars
  • Yogurt
  • Cow and goat’s milk
  • Cheese
  • Protein supplements.

Out of the potential sources of whey provided, protein supplements are regarded as the most popular source. Such supplements are readily available in the market and typically enriched with the prescribed amount of whey.

However, due to the popularity of protein supplements, many low-quality products are now sold in the market. That’s why you should be careful with where you buy your supplements. It’s better to get it directly from the manufacturers’ shop or some of the accredited stores found all over Australia.

Whey Protein from Team Flex

Team Flex is among the most trusted sellers of high-quality sports supplements in Australia. We offer an extensive range of supplements bearing some of the world’s biggest brands. The company is committed to helping our customers achieve their goals. Also, we are obsessed with the idea of providing our consumers with an excellent shopping experience and the best products out there. Currently, Team Flex offers the following whey protein supplements.

1. Dragon Whey
Dragon Whey is a 100% lean protein supplement produced by Red Dragon Nutritionals. The product is formulated using the finest proteins and created to become the cleanest, gut-friendly and more versatile whey protein available in the market. This works best as a post-workout supplement to be taken between meals or satisfy one’s cravings for a sweet milkshake.

2. Rule1 Whey Blend
R1 Whey Blend is produced by Rule 1 Proteins operated by some of Optimum Nutrition’s original staffer. It is the best tasting protein supplement ever made. It takes pride in its almost no fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates and added fillers formulation.

3. Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey
The Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey from Optimum Nutrition contains the Whey Protein Isolates (WPI) or the purest form of whey protein used in a few protein supplements. The product is usually regarded as the gold standard when it comes to protein quality.

If you’re looking for the best whey protein in Australia, don’t hesitate to check out what we have. Team Flex has got you the premium products you deserve. Contact us today!