8 Benefits of Whey Protein Isolate

By James H. O'Keefe, M.D.

Whey protein isolate confers eight distinct benefits that will help you re-capture the appearance and vitality of your youth.

The high level of cysteine, an essential amino acid, stimulates glutathione production by as much as 60 percent. This is one of the most potent endogenous (i.e. made naturally by your body) antioxidants. The increased glutathione levels help to bolster your immune system, and also neutralize the free radicals that promote aging, heart disease and cancer. Whey protein may lower the risk of prostate cancer, in particular.
Whey may help build muscle. With each year that passes after age 30, you lose one-half to one pound of muscle. This is replaced by 1 to 2.5 pounds of fat per year. Whey protein helps build muscle better than any other protein source because it is uniquely rich in all the essential amino acids. These amino acids, such as valine, leucine, and iso-leucine are needed to repair muscle tissue broken down by exercise or stress and replace old, dead or damaged cells with new ones. For each one pound of muscle you add to your body, you burn an additional 50 calories per day, even at rest.
Whey protein may help burn fat, especially inside your abdomen, where it is the most unattractive and the most dangerous for your health. It does this by increasing your metabolism so you will burn more calories. Studies show that simply adding whey to a standard diet will help you lose body fat while maintaining muscle during weight loss.
Whey increases satiety, thereby lowering your daily intake of calories. Probably the single most important step in preventing aging and disease is to simply reduce calorie intake. You will find it difficult to not eat if you are hungry all the time; conversely it is easier to avoid the lure of junk food and excess calories if you aren't hungry. Whey will fill you up and keep you feeling full longer with fewer calories than any other food.
When substituted for other protein sources, whey reduces the load of toxic pro-aging and potentially carcinogenic substances. Whey is a pure and clean protein source that contains no toxic contaminants such as pesticides commonly found in meat and dairy, or nitrosamines found in processed luncheon-type meats.
Whey protein may reduce depression and emotional stress because it is high in tryptophan - an amino acid that improves mood and sleep quality in some individuals.
Whey may help improve blood pressure levels. Clinical studies suggest that whey protein isolate contains bioactive peptides that appear to lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.
The amino acids in whey protein are the exact building blocks your body needs to restore the youthful luster and fullness to your hair and give you smooth, shiny and strong nails. You may notice an improvement in the appearance and strength of your hair and nails when you use whey protein on a daily basis. Because whey protein helps also to improve immunity and insulin resistance, it can be effective in preventing or improving toenail and fingernail fungal infections.

If you have abnormal kidney function, consult your doctor before considering taking a whey protein supplement.

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