With the population of self-confessed “health freaks” on a steady rise, especially in urban metropolitan areas, there is a larger focus on what one eats. Take any given day in a shopping complex, for example. Everything – right from chocolates, ice creams and aerated drinks to cereal, milk and even flour is available in a “diet” or “low-fat” variant.

As people continue to become more conscious of their health, exercising and dietary supplements have become indispensable for almost all of them. Amongst these, one of the most talked-about and researched item is the whey protein supplement. 

Whey protein has a high nutritional value and essentially fulfils almost all our protein needs without any side effects. It is the protein fraction of whey containing all important amino acids required by the body, and is derived from the liquid that separates from milk during cheese production. 

After considerable study, it has been found to have several health benefits. Let’s dive deeper into some of the more popular ones:

#1 Muscle strength building

It is a fact that since muscle mass starts declining with age, it has a detrimental effect upon one’s body. However, this process can be deferred by way of consumption of a protein-rich diet which keeps the muscles healthier for a longer time.

Consumption of whey protein, thus, helps in the following ways:

1. By providing adequate protein and amino acids to the body essential for muscle growth. 
2. By virtue of being the most easily absorbed form of protein, it aids the muscle building process in the quickest and most efficient manner.
3.  Due to its composition, it facilitates the release of anabolic hormones, which in turn has a positive relationship with muscle building. 
4. It also contains certain special amino acids like leucine, which has been found to facilitate muscle growth at a genetic level. 

#2 Aids weight loss

Even though there is little empirical data establishing a direct relationship of whey protein with weight loss, there is certainly an indirect causation. Weight loss is aided by the consumption of whey protein in the following ways:

1. By promoting the muscle mass and therefore reducing the body’s capacity for fat accumulation.
2. Owing to its micronutrient composition, it is more filling for the consumer. It gives an illusion to the person of being full and therefore the person eats less. As a consequence of this, the person consumes lesser calories and therefore lose weight in the process. 

#3 Helps with blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases

Whey protein contains a specific bioactive peptide called “angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors”. These ACE in whey, known as Lactokinins are deemed to have a positive effect on the reduction of blood pressure. Despite the fact that research is still being conducted on the specific use of whey protein in managing blood pressure, a study of specifically overweight people demonstrated that by using whey protein for 12 weeks, there was a reduction in systolic blood pressure by as much as 4%. 

#4 Weight retention – especially amongst HIV Positive Patients

Owing to the micronutrient composition and easy absorption of weighing protein in ones’ body, it is claimed that its consumption is beneficial even for weight management of HIV positive patients. Empirical evidence of the same was found in a study published by the Clinical and Investigative Medicine Journal. 

#5 Enhances the body’s antioxidants’ mechanism

Antioxidants support one of the most essential functions and help in the prevention of several chronic diseases. However, not all antioxidants are found in our food. Some are produced within our body. For example – glutathione. 

Since it is produced by the body, such antioxidants are dependent on amino acids like cysteine, of which whey protein is a very rich source. Therefore, with the consumption of whey protein, the production of glutathione is accelerated, resulting in a better antioxidant defence system. 
Having looked upon so many amazing uses of whey protein, it is a no-brainer that almost every other millennial seems to be a fan. However, it is of utmost importance that whey protein is consumed keeping in view subjective factors like body absorption rate, physical activity level, food allergies etc.

It is pertinent that the consumption of any dietary supplement, including whey protein, is properly regulated and the quality of the product being used is also good. Take Stack Nutrition’s Active Muscle Whey Protein supplements, for example.