The history of whey protein

Over the past decade, considerable academic research has been compiled into medical literature documenting the numerous benefits of various proteins and other nutrients. Recently, soy protein has been widely discussed in the media for its ability to lower cholesterol and fight or prevent certain cancers. Although soybeans have received much press attention in the past few years, scientists are still closely searching for other proteins and their potential to prevent disease and promote immunity.

Source of whey protein

The protein in milk contains about 80% casein and 20% whey protein. Whey is divided into five types of proteins. The content of β-lactoglobulin is up to about 50%. It contains free SH groups and is the source of the flavor of milk when heated. One, followed by α-lactalbumin, about 25%, and the others are serum albumin (bovine serum albumin), immunoglobulin, and protein embryo-protein. Whey protein is easier for babies to digest and absorb, while casein is not easy to digest. Breast milk contains 60% whey and 40% casein. Therefore, children who drink breast milk have softer stools and less volume.

Preparation of whey protein concentrate

Whey is produced in various grades and by several methods. Whey protein starts out as sweet milk whey or acid-alkaline whey, both of which contain lactose, fat, and other ingredients. Sweet dairy whey is considered to be the better whey for promoting health. Then lactose, fat, minerals, etc. are removed and processed through reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration without losing the functional properties of the protein. Whey protein is very sensitive to heat and other processing methods and is easily destroyed.

The quality of whey protein concentrate depends on its sodium content. If the sodium content exceeds 110 mg per 30 grams, it usually comes from acid-alkaline whey or has been acid-treated, making it a lower-quality product. The sodium content per 20 grams is less than 60 mg. The product is often derived from sweetened dairy whey, which is more expensive and requires high industrial technology. SavePreserving delicious protein in its natural state can maintain the functional properties of the protein.

Basic knowledge of whey protein – important nutritional factors

1. Vitamin C and Vitamin E: These two vitamins are significant antioxidants. They can reduce the damaging effects of free radicals on mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, nuclei, and ribosomes in cells, and maintain these proteins, which play a key role in the protein synthesis process. The normal function of organelles ensures a good external environment for protein synthesis. In addition, from an anatomical perspective, strong muscles require equally strong bones and tendons to support them. Collagen, a key substance required for the growth and development of bones and tendons, must be synthesized in large quantities to provide what the human body needs when vitamin C is sufficient. It can be seen that while supplementing whey protein, these two vitamins must be supplemented.

2. Vitamin B family: This is a type of water-soluble vitamins whose reserves in the human body are also very limited. This type of vitamin is easy to absorb and easy to lose. They are easily excreted from the body with the sweat and urine of athletes. But this type of vitamin is a cofactor for some key biological enzymes in the synthesis process. Biochemists have confirmed from different angles that this type of vitamin must be maintained at a certain concentration in the human body before these enzymes can perform their biological functions. For example: Vitamin B6 plays a key role in the protein synthesis process. Once vitamin B6 is lacking, the protein synthesis rate will drop significantly. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are key factors for cell proliferation, and cell proliferation is the material basis for muscle growth. In recent years, it has also been found that vitamin B12 and folic acid can enhance the hematopoietic function of athletes and are very effective in preventing exercise-induced anemia. As we all know: it is difficult for athletes who suffer from exercise-induced anemia to achieve muscle gain by simply taking protein.

3. Minerals: Some minerals are essential in the protein synthesis process, such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, etc. We know that a large amount of energy is consumed in the process of protein synthesis. The release of energy in the human body must be carried out in an orderly manner when magnesium ions are sufficient. In this case, the energy urgently needed in the protein synthesis process can be supplied in time. Zinc is an essential element in the DNA synthesis process. Theoretically, only when the DNA synthesis process proceeds smoothly can muscle cells proliferate and divide. In practice, it has indeed been found that consuming 15-60 mg of zinc per day can help improve the conversion rate of protein in food. Calcium is an essential mineral in the signal transmission between nerves and muscles and in the process of muscle contraction and stretching. As muscles continue to grow, the body's need for calcium also increases. In addition, if there are sufficient calcium ions in the human body, the muscles can withstand greater training load.

Through the above analysis, we can clearly see that muscle protein synthesis does requireWith the participation of these nutritional factors, new muscles also need the participation of corresponding nutritional factors when they bear corresponding exercise loads. The entire muscle synthesis process is the result of the coordination and joint action of many nutritional factors. Therefore, we must consider it comprehensively when choosing nutritional supplements such as whey protein. Based on the current research results on whey protein and the experience of some high-level athletes, here are the key points when choosing whey protein: When choosing whey protein, the proportion of whey protein content is very important. Currently, there is no 100% whey protein. Raw materials, so exaggerating that whey protein content is 100% is deceiving consumers! The key to selection also depends on whether other aspects of nutrients are balanced and whether it is equipped with appropriate vitamins and minerals.

Whey protein-natural nutrition for athletes

Nutritionists from the University of California recently conducted a survey on whey protein. In the survey, they found that in the past 10 years, whey protein products have developed most rapidly in the sports nutrition market. Protein powder has developed to the current three series of whey protein bars, whey protein granules and whey protein gel with more than 100 varieties. At the same time, academic articles on the production, processing, and functional activity of whey protein have also doubled. Among them, the research results directly related to sports training mainly include: whey protein can help athletes maintain better competitive conditions, accelerate Fatigue recovery after exercise. Based on various information, they believe that whey protein is the most suitable protein raw material for manufacturing sports nutrition products, and whey protein is the most suitable protein for athletes.

1. Whey protein is the most suitable protein raw material for manufacturing sports nutrition products

Compared with other types of high-quality proteins, whey protein production technology has developed the fastest. At present, manufacturers have developed many types of whey proteins, and the representative ones include the following: "WPCS" whey protein concentrate, "WPIS" whey protein isolate, and EWPFS (enhanced whey protein). "WPCS" whey protein concentrates include WPC34 (that is, whey protein purity reaches 34%), WPC50, and WPC80; "WPIS" whey protein isolates generally have higher concentrations, and the two most common types are WPI80 and WPI90. These products are very easily digestible proteins with high biological value and can be used to make protein bars and protein powders. Among them, WPC80 is the most widely used. Because WPC80 has stable quality, the best comprehensive physical and chemical indicators, and is easy to prepare, WPC80 has become the mainstream raw material in whey protein. The production cost of WPI type whey protein is relatively high and is only used when producing certain products with special requirements. Compared with WPC80, the advantage is not great.

2. Whey protein is the most suitable protein for athletes.

In order to maintain good health and meet the human body’s basic needs for protein, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends that you need to ensure a supply of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight throughout the day. But when it comes to a specific person, due to his or her different lifestyle, physical condition, age, and gender, this recommended amount is difficult to grasp. Especially for athletes, due to their different exercise methods, exercise time, and exercise intensity, their protein requirements vary greatly, making this recommended amount even less practical. Therefore, some sports nutritionists recommend arranging protein foods for a day based on a protein intake of 1.5g/kg. Theoretically, it can basically meet the requirements of athletes and ensure that protein metabolism in the athletes' bodies is in a normal and balanced state. However, in practice, for some strength athletes such as weightlifting, wrestling, and bodybuilding, only increasing the protein intake to 2g/kg can barely maintain a positive nitrogen balance in these athletes' bodies. At the same time, a new problem has arisen. While consuming so much protein, a large amount of fat and cholesterol also enter the human body, which has also brought many negative effects to athletes. Further research found that only 40% of some low-quality proteins can be utilized by the human body, while the utilization rate of the same amount of whey protein can be as high as 70% (there is no protein that can be 100% utilized by the human body). It can be seen that only by choosing high-quality protein can athletes improve protein utilization and avoid the harm caused by inferior protein to the human body. That is to say, the effect of taking high-quality protein at 1.5g/kg is better than taking low-quality protein at 2g/kg.

In recent years, studies on the use of whey protein in sports have found that the advantages of whey protein are not only to maintain a positive nitrogen balance for athletes, but also have some functions that are very suitable for sports needs compared with other types of proteins: ⑴ Whey protein is rich in bioactive calcium, which can reduce fractures during exercise and prevent bone calcium loss; ⑵ Whey protein is rich in glutamine, which can accelerate muscle glycogen resynthesis after exercise and prevent immune function after excessive exercise. decline. ⑶Whey protein has certain anti-fatigue effects. The reason is that whey protein contains cysteine ​​and methionine that can fight free radicals; (4) Whey protein has a certain effect in promoting the secretion of endogenous growth hormone in the human body. Taking whey protein can quickly grow muscles and reduce body fat. Research on the effects of whey protein on exercise training continues.

At the end of this survey report, nutritionists fully affirmed the dominant position of whey protein in protein products and predicted that whey protein products may be further developed according to different requirements in sports. Categories will be more detailed. For example, whey protein for recovery, whey protein for muscle building, whey protein for anti-fatigue, etc. By then, athletes will have a wider range of options to choose from.

Whey protein vs cancer

Many whey proteins are found inThe health benefits are similar in that they dramatically increase glutathion—what is glutathion? It is the most important water-soluble antioxidant found in the body. Glutathion is composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine (cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine). It is naturally formed during rest. It can protect cells and detoxify various harmful substances, such as carcinogens, peroxides, and heavy metals. . Glutathion is also closely related to immune function. There is a direct and important relationship between glutathion content and diseases such as AIDS, cancer, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and other diseases. For example, it is known that people who are positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-seropositive) in their serum have a lack of glutathion in their tissues. Using this argument, a small guided study was conducted on adding whey protein to the diet of HIV(+) men.

All participants in the study showed an unexpected increase in glutathion, and only 2 out of 3 did not reach their ideal weight. Finally, glutathion in immune cells can directly play the role of defense and challenge, and it is suggested that glutathion value is the only thing that can adjust immunity. The ability of Lactobacillus Protein Concentrate to increase glutathion rivals that of all commercially known proteins, such as casein, blue-green algae, soy, wheat, corn, albumin, fish, and beef. Giving these proteins to animals cannot increase glutathion above normal values; however, adding whey protein concentrate to food can continuously increase glutathion above normal values. In addition, mice fed a whey protein diet lived an average of 5-6 months, which was longer than mice fed any other protein, which is equivalent to an average increase in human life span of 55 to 80 years.

Whey protein concentrate combats a variety of immune challenges, including extremely aggressive cancer-causing chemicals. In one study, one group of mice was fed whey protein concentrate, and another group was given casein and then dimethylyderazine DMH, a known potent carcinogen. After 20 weeks of exposure to DMH, the mice were Mice that were exposed to whey protein supplements had a stronger immune response to the carcinogen, and more importantly, the tumors became smaller, with their number reduced to almost none.

In other experiments using DMH, it was found that mice fed whey protein concentrate had more noteworthy reports of preventing and fighting tumors than mice fed other proteins (including soybeans). In test tubes, whey protein concentrate has also been found to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. If patients are given 30 grams of whey protein concentrate daily, the size of the tumors will decrease. However, recent clinical trials have not been able to give more information. Many guarantees. Information like this makes whey protein a viable option in the fight against cancer(or other immune-related diseases), a powerful weapon.

Another interesting aspect of whey protein concentrate is its ability to promote humoral and cellular immunity. It has also been found to fight microbial infections. For example, salmonella, streptococcal pneumonia, etc. Giving animals whey protein concentrate has been shown to have a greater immune-enhancing response to infection by these microorganisms than eating laboratory test foods or other proteins.

Whey protein VS athletes

Although there is still some controversy regarding these experiments, it is now clear that for highly active people and athletes of all types, protein needs to be added to exceed the current RDA. Whey protein concentrate is a very high-quality protein with a higher biological value (BV: the percentage of nitrogen in food that can be absorbed and retained by the body) than any other protein that has not yet been studied. This is why athletes consume whey protein concentrate. What makes albumin concentrate unique. A good whey protein product is perfect and easy to add protein to the diet.

Comparison of whey protein and other proteins

An important indicator for measuring protein quality is biological value (BV). BV is the ratio of stored nitrogen to absorbed nitrogen. The more nitrogen is stored, the higher the BV of the protein, and the better the body absorbs, utilizes and retains it. All The highest biological value of whey protein among proteins is 104, and a large amount of evidence shows that whey protein is the best form of protein.

Ten benefits of active whey protein

Active whey protein can provide glutathione precursors, thereby improving the antioxidant function of cells throughout the body, allowing the human body to obtain the following benefits:

1. Enhance immune function

2. Conducive to the health of the cardiovascular system

3. Provide breast-milked functional foods for infants and children (nutritional products for children and adolescents, nutritional information for children and adolescents)

4. It is conducive to strengthening muscles, enhancing physical strength, and improving the effect of sports (sports products, sports information)

5. Improve mental outlook, improve work and study efficiency

6. Strengthen bones

7. Optimum weight for health

8. Provide high-quality protein for those with lactose intolerance, casein and gluten allergies

9. Reduce skin wrinkles and photoaging, and promote wound healing

10. Prolong life

Category:

With the continuous development of product technology and the increasingly fierce competition in protein products, dairy productsAlbumin products have also gradually become diversified. Whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein products with added protein peptides have appeared on the market.

1. Whey protein concentrate (PC)

After drying the whey directly, whey powder can be obtained, in which the whey protein content is extremely low, usually more than ten percent and no more than 30 percent. The product obtained after whey undergoes clarification, ultrafiltration, drying and other processes is whey protein concentrate. Depending on the degree of filtration, products with protein concentrations ranging from 34-80% can be obtained.

2. Whey protein isolate (WPI)

Whey protein isolate is a high-purity whey protein obtained through further processing on the basis of concentrated whey protein, with a purity of more than 90%. It is expensive, 2-3 times more expensive than whey protein concentrate, but it is also easier to digest and absorb. The real beauty of whey protein isolate is its nutritional value. It has a high content of high-quality protein, which can provide high-quality protein for certain groups of people with specific needs, such as infants and hospital patients. In addition, the bioactive compounds contained in whey protein isolate, such as α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, have injected fresh vitality into the market.

3. Whey protein peptide

Whey protein peptide is the hydrolyzate of whey protein and the essence of whey protein. It can participate in the muscle synthesis process faster in the body.

From the types and functions of the above various whey protein products, we can see that supplementing whey protein is not only of great significance for the general population, but also for people with high activity levels, various types of athletes, or bodybuilding enthusiasts. significance. Because people who exercise have higher protein needs than ordinary people, and the rate of protein synthesis in the body increases after exercise, they need to supplement high-quality protein that is easy to absorb. Because whey protein is easy to digest and absorb, it can be used as a raw material for the body to quickly synthesize protein; at the same time, whey protein concentrate has a higher biological value than any protein that has been studied so far, so whey protein naturally becomes A must-have nutritious food for athletes training.