What Is Whey Protein?

Whey is a Dairy Protein derived from cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is made up of approximately 88% water and variable amounts of the three macronutrients:

Carbohydrates (≈5%), Fat (≈4%) and Protein (≈3%). The
Protein found in milk contains two types of Protein, Whey and Casein. Casein (sometimes call “Cheese Protein” as it forms the basis of the solid curds which become cheese) is the most abundant Protein in milk comprising about 80% of the total protein content. Whey is the less abundant of the two Milk Proteins making up about 20% of the total Protein. However, in today’s world of sports nutrition, Whey Protein is by far the more popular and more consumed of the two main Dairy Proteins. Whey has become so desirable due to many of its unique features including:

Whey is a High-Quality ‘Complete’ Protein: Protein is comprised of twenty-two basic building blocks called Amino Acids. Nine of those are considered Essential Amino Acids, which means they body cannot produce them and they must be consumed through the diet. A Protein which naturally contains all the Essential Amino Acids is classified as ‘Complete.’ Complete Proteins are typically prioritized by athletes and those who participate in sports as they help to support muscle recovery and rebuilding, a process known as Muscle Protein Synthesis or MPS.
Whey is Naturally Rich in Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): The BCAAs are a specific set of Essential Amino Acids, which make up about a little over one third of skeletal muscle. They include three Essential Amino Acids, Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. A typical glass of milk has a naturally occurring 2:1:1 ratio of Leucine to Isoleucine to Valine. This is also roughly the same ratio found in skeletal muscle. Like Complete Proteins, BCAAs are sought-after and consumed by athletes and those who participate in sports as they help to signal muscles to support muscle recovery and rebuilding.

Whey is a ‘Fast’ Digesting and Absorbing Protein: Whey is also unique in the way it’s digested and absorbed. Whey Protein is often considered the ‘fast’ Protein when compared to Casein Protein. In general, due to its nature Casein Protein gels and remains more “solid” through digestion which makes Casein Protein desirable when slower digestion is wanted such as during sleep. Whey Protein typically stays liquid through digestion and, as such, takes about one hour to peak in the bloodstream after consumption. This characteristic has contributed in large part to the popularity of whey protein as it is generally quite easy to consume after strenuous our long workouts due to its thinner consistency
compared to Casein Protein.

Why Take Whey Protein?

Protein is required on daily basis because Amino Acids cannot be stored in the body. It’s essential that all healthy adults consume adequate amounts of Protein throughout each day to help meet Protein needs. Moreover, Protein is also essential when it comes to muscle. This is because physical activity increases muscle Protein breakdown. Muscles require adequate time and overall balanced nutrition including sufficient High-Quality, Complete Protein to recover optimally. Protein is one key element which can help to support muscle recovery.

How to Use Whey Protein?

Whey is complex, but using it doesn’t have to be. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey™ is Instantized, meaning that it is designed to mix easily with a spoon or shaker cup. However, you can take it to the next level by boosting it, blending it, baking it, cooking with it and more. You can amp up your Whey Protein by mixing with bases beyond water to add taste and texture. For example, mixing with milk, soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, juice and more. You can also blend in wholesome foods such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, berries, greens, oats, nuts, seeds, yogurt, honey and others. You can also cook and bake with your Whey Protein by mixing it into favorite foods, everyday mealtime recipes, and baked goods. However you use your Protein, make it yours!

When to Use Whey Protein

Around Activity: 2-4 hours before a physical activity, aim to consume a balance of Carbohydrates plus Protein. However, the closer you approach an activity, the more the focus goes to Carbohydrates. While whole foods should always be prioritized, if time and/or digestion are a concern, Whey Protein Shales
can be a good solution. Protein can also be taken any time post-workout to help support muscle recovery. Similar to before activity, you should aim to consume a balance of Protein with Carbohydrates and prioritize whole food sources. Again, if time, digestion and/or appetite in this period are a challenge,
Whey Protein Shakes can be a good solution.

Nutritional Gaps: Whey Protein can be added into your daily routine to help fill nutritional gaps. Meaning if Protein needs are not met through whole food alone, then Whey Protein supplements maybe used. Protein can also be used during occasions you may not have a balance of Protein with other whole food macronutrients. Therefore, Whey Protein can help balance breakfast first thing in the morning, balance meals throughout the day, and balance your snacks. A benefit of ensuring Protein with each meal and/or snack is that Protein helps with satiety or a feeling a “fullness.” In other words, use anytime of the day you want to build up your nutrition.