Saturday, January 26, 2008

How whey protein can build strength and help recovery

Syntrax NectarIf you’re on the look out for a supplement that can help you in your strength training or to recover from an injury, then whey protein may be just the thing for you Whey protein is set apart from all the other sources of protein because it is a naturally complete protein. This means that it contains all the essential amino acids required in the daily diet. The body needs both essential and non-essential amino acids for it to function properly. We can make non-essential amino acids from other amino acids in our body, but we can only get essential amino acids by eating high quality protein foods.

Protein is essential for a variety of roles in the body, including the control of many of the important processes in the body related to metabolism and the building and repairing of muscles and bones. It is also necessary for the repair of body cells. You can obviously get protein from sources such as fish, eggs and meat, but since whey protein is such an excellent source of amino acids and it is easily digestible, it is widely used by athletes and body builders. The body requires higher amounts of amino acids during and following exercise, as they are taken up directly by the skeletal muscles. Many athletes also find it beneficial to have a whey protein drink immediately after exercise to help repair and rebuild lean muscle tissue.

Whey protein alone will not build strength and help recovery, however. You should also try to get lots of rest. Sleep and rest are even more necessary than usual when you are putting your body under a lot of strain or your body needs to recover from an injury. The body needs time to rest and repair itself by drawing on the nutrients that you feed it. Most cell and tissue regrowth happens during the night when you are asleep.

It may be that you are not getting enough protein in your daily diet, especially if you consume a lot of processed meals. Processed meals contain fewer vitamins and minerals than freshly prepared, home-made food. Vegetarians should particularly make sure that they are getting the right amount of protein, by eating a range of foods such as eggs, cheese, tofu, soya and pulses. By taking a whey protein supplement at times when you need it most, you can ensure that you get a healthy, high protein diet.

How Much We Need Whey Protein In Diet?

How much protein we need in our diet, partly depends on who we are and how active we are Getting a balanced diet is very important, especially in the fast moving world we live in now. What we eat affects not just the way we look, but the way we feel, too, and it can have profound implications on the quality and length of our life. Protein plays a big part in a balanced diet, along with carbohydrate, fibre and fat.

Syntrax NectarYou can get protein from meat, fish, pulses, eggs and dairy products, but whey protein contains the most and the highest quality protein of them all. Derived from cow’s milk, whey is a naturally complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids required in the daily diet. For the body to function properly, it needs both essential and non-essential amino acids. These fuel the body and maintain muscle mass. The body is able to make non-essential amino acids from other amino acids in the body. However, it is not able to make essential amino acids and the only way to get them is by eating high quality protein foods.

Protein is needed to:

  • Provide a source of energy
  • Repair body cells
  • Control many of the important processes in the body related to metabolism
  • Build and repair muscles and bones
Even if you think you are eating a balanced diet containing lots of protein, you’ve got to make sure that you are eating high quality, low fat sources of protein, like whey protein. Compared to other proteins, whey protein isolate delivers more essential amino acids to the body, but without the fat or cholesterol. Nutrition experts therefore recommend a diet with a variety of protein foods, but for optimal results you should make sure that one of them is whey protein.

Whey protein is particularly beneficial to a number of different groups of people:

Athletes – People who do regular physical activity and weight training need more amino acids than the average person to increase strength, build muscle tissue, and enhance their athletic performance.

Elderly – Research has shown that whey protein can slow down muscle loss in elderly people, particularly in those who have a decreased appetite and who’ll be eating less protein as a result.

People recovering from illness or injury – Whey is a complete protein and is easy to digest. It is, therefore, quick working and can help to rebuild tissue and bones.