Industry Trend 2011: Whey Protein Powder

Although whey protein started to show itself as a useful product over the past few years, researchers are finding that the ingredient’s popularity will take off during 2011.

What It Is: Milk consists of two types of protein, viz. casein protein and whey protein. Whey protein is the most nutritious protein available and is produced when the casein protein is filtered out of the milk and the remaining liquid is purified and concentrated using the ion-exchange process. This liquid is then dried and transformed into power that can be sold at supermarkets and vitamin retailers all over. Whey protein is considered to be a superfood.

Who Might be Interested: Not only is whey protein a healthy option for athletes and bodybuilders but also for those looking to loose weight and for people with a variety of medical conditions.

Just the Facts:

Whey protein is the best source of amino acids, which are vital for bodily functions and are essential to muscle growth and recovery.

Whey protein is absorbed more quickly than any other source of protein.

This type of protein has amino acid content greater than that of milk protein, egg whites and soymilk.

Whey protein can help with type II diabetes because it is said to help insulin release and reduce post-meal blood glucose spikes.

For those trying to loose weight, whey protein takes more energy for the body to process than carbohydrates and fats. This means it requires more calories to transform protein into energy; therefore, more calories are burned and metabolism speeds up.

Whey protein is available in “tasteless” powder, which can be added to any recipe.

Whey proteins help in the regulation of the secretion of hormones.

Not only does whey protein help support a healthy immune system, but it encourages bone growth and thus helps prevent osteoporosis.

Availability: Whey protein powder is available to order online as well as at vitamin stores such as GNC, the Vitamin Shoppe and a variety of pharmacies.

Try It Out:

Recipe: Fruity Whey Protein Smoothie Recipe

1 banana cut into pieces

1 or 2 scoops of whey protein (according to brand)

3 large strawberries

¼ cup blueberries

½ cup of skim milk

½ cup of ice

½ cup of yogurt

Directions:

Blend the banana with the milk, ice, whey protein and yogurt until a slushy texture is formed. Add the strawberries and blueberries and blend until slushy. Serve.

Pictures courtesy of:

nutraplanet.com

blog.ultimatefitnessgear.com