The Health Benefits of Whey Protein

The benefits of whey protein go beyond providing the essential amino acids to build muscle. Here are some of the numerous benefits of whey protein:

• Provides the most optimal source of essential amino acids which is critical for the repair and growth of muscle tissue - particularly after a workout.
• Boosts immune function by increasing levels of glutathione (the most potent antioxidant in the body)
• Increases the anabolic environment and prevents muscle breakdown, thereby assisting the muscle-building effects of intense weight training and exercise.
• Helps to maintain balanced nutrition by supporting both healthy weight-loss (as an appetite suppressant) and muscle enhancing nutritional programs (whey protein is the precursor to building muscle tissue)
• Studies have shown that whey may potentially reduce cancer rates, combat HIV, improve immunity, reduce stress and lower cortisol, increase brain serotonin levels, improve liver function in those suffering from certain forms of hepatitis, reduce blood pressure and improve performance.

Pretty impressive list! It’s no wonder why whey protein is one of the most important supplements for not only athletes but for anyone striving for optimal health. While there are many benefits of whey protein, there is something it doesn’t do…

Whey protein doesn’t build new muscle by itself. No one has ever exploded with new muscle from the simple addition of whey to their diet, regardless of what some supplement companies would have you believe. Whey is terrific for general health and well being when taken alone, but it will not result in explosive muscle growth. When whey protein is taken along with regular weight training and proper nutrition, however, muscle growth can be significant!

This is a stupid analogy, but I think it drives home the point. If you have a pot of dry dirt and add fertilizer, nothing grows (duh). However, if you have a seed in that pot, and you water the seed, the fertilizer will help the seed grow – and grow fast! Whey is the fertilizer, watering the pot is weight training and proper nutrition and your muscle is the seed. You need all three “ingredients” to achieve gains in muscle tissue. If you take whey protein and don’t do any weight training, don’t expect to see any gains in muscle – but you will reap the health benefits of whey protein listed above such as improved immunity and possible weight loss.

Other whey protein related pages:

What is Whey Protein?
Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey Protein Isolate
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
Whey Protein Side Effects
Whey Protein Articles
Whey Protein Reviews & Recommendations