Protein is a must when it comes to a well-balanced diet and a strong healthy body. Whey protein is one of the best types of proteins you can consume for muscle building because it contains essential and branched-chain amino acids. It contains all the vitamins and nutrients needed to support an active lifestyle, not to mention a sustainable immune system. Due to its strong amino acid profile and ease of absorption, it is arguably the most popular sports nutrition supplement. By consuming whey protein before or after your workout, you can raise the amount of amino acids available in your body for the muscle growth process, also known as muscle protein synthesis. Whey protein is available in different forms and it is important that you understand the health benefits of each form and what type of whey protein is best for you.
What is whey concentrate?
Protein concentrates are created by pushing the protein source (milk, whey, etc.) through a very small filter that allows water, minerals, and other organic materials to pass though. It usually contains around 80% protein, a small amount of fat, and some carbs.The carb and fat numbers aren’t high, so it’s going to be fine for anyone on a regular diet, a mass-gain diet or even a cutting phase.Whey protein concentrate is widely considered to be the most efficient and economical form of protein for the human body to digest and use. Whey protein concentrate is micro-filtered and not heat treated to produce ultra pure protein.Whey protein concentrate is rich in both BCAA's and Glutamine. This makes it the ideal protein to help build muscle size, definition and aid recovery.
What is whey isolate?
While whey protein concentrate has a protein content of around 80%, the protein content of whey protein isolate is more like 90%. This is because whey protein isolate undergoes a process called Cross-Flow Micro-filtration. Whey protein isolate is believed to have less fat, cholesterol, lactose, carbohydrates and calories than most other proteins. It essentially separates the protein, almost in its entirety from the raw whey, resulting in 90-94% pure protein. So in a 50-gram serving of whey protein isolate, plan on getting 45-47 grams of pure protein with the remaining 3-5 grams being perhaps 1 gram of carbs and some calcium, potassium and sodium.
CONCENTRATE OR ISOLATE : Which whey is best for you?
Considering this information, it’s important for you to decide which form of whey protein works best for you. One of the biggest advantages to taking a whey isolate over a concentrate is that all of the carbohydrates and fats have been stripped giving you a much higher protein percentage. Some of the cheaper whey concentrate protein powders contain a protein percentage under 80 percent, while the top-notch whey protein isolates have a protein percentage close to 100 percent. Whey isolate undergoes more processing than whey concentrate it predictably will cost more money to manufacture. Whey protein concentrate makes for an ideal protein shake for meal replacements. It will be slightly slower digesting and contains more carbohydrates and fat per serving but still makes for a great post workout shake.
When choosing between whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, it is important to consider what your health goals are. If you are simply using the protein as a day-to-day supplement, or as a means to put on more weight, try whey protein concentrate. This will provide you with immune-boosting peptides, a feeling of fullness, and it will be cheaper compared to whey protein isolate.
If you will be using whey protein for a means of getting the most protein with the least fat or lactose, whey protein isolate is the way to go. Whey isolate will give you some of the immune-boosting peptides of whey concentrate, with less fat and lactose, and more protein.
