Whey protein is a protein found in whey, the leftover milk produced in cheese production. This type of protein is widely used to increase muscle mass. In addition to building muscle tissue, whey protein also has many other health benefits.
Whey protein is commonly found in milk and its processed products, namely cheese. However, apart from these two foods, this type of protein is also available in powdered supplement form, such as protein shakes. This whey protein supplement can be consumed by adding it to food or beverages, such as juices and juices milkshakes.
Whey protein is commonly consumed by bodybuilders and sports enthusiasts to build muscle mass. However, you can also consume whey protein to meet your daily protein needs.
Some Benefits of Whey Protein for Health
The following are some of the health benefits of whey protein that you can get:
1. Increase muscle mass and strength
Proteins or amino acids are the basic ingredients for building cells and body tissues, such as tendons, skin, and organs.
Protein, including whey protein, is also a type of nutrient that plays a role in increasing the strength and mass of muscle tissue. Therefore, this protein is quite popular for consumption by people who want to build muscle mass.
In addition to consuming whey protein, you also still need to eat protein-rich foods, such as eggs, fish, meat, and tofu and tempeh, to meet your daily protein needs.
2. Gaining weight
Whey protein is a type of nutrient that can also support weight gain through the formation of muscle mass.
Several factors and conditions, such as aging, malnutrition, or severe illness, can cause muscle tissue to shrink. Therefore, whey protein can be consumed by people who want to gain weight.
In addition, someone who has a chronic disease such as HIV / AIDS and has difficulty gaining weight, can also consume whey protein to increase weight. However, this needs to be balanced with regular exercise, especially strength training.
3. Accelerate wound healing
Every day, the body needs protein to build, maintain, and repair damaged body tissues. When a person has a wound or infection, the body needs enough calories and nutrients, especially protein, to help the wound heal.
Thus, there is nothing wrong if you consume whey protein as a daily nutritional supplement. You can consume whey protein unflavored or mixed with food flavours.
4. Strengthening the immune system
Protein, including those sourced from whey, will be processed into amino acids in the body. This substance plays an important role in the formation of a strong immune system. Thus, the body will be able to fight the attack of germs and viruses that cause disease.
5. Reduce cholesterol and blood pressure
Various studies have shown that regular consumption of whey protein can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as blood pressure. The benefits of whey protein are good for maintaining the health of the body's important organs, such as the brain and heart.
However, the effectiveness and benefits of whey protein still need to be studied further.
The Right Way to Eat Whey Protein
To get the benefits of whey protein, it is important that you know the right dose. The recommended dose for consuming whey protein is about 1-2 tablespoons or about 25-50 grams per day.
Generally, whey protein is available in the form of powder supplements that can be taken orally. You can also add whey protein powder to the juice mixture, smoothies, or yogurt.
However, keep in mind that consuming too much whey protein can cause digestive problems, such as nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, pain, and stomach cramps. In addition, people who have kidney and liver problems should also avoid consuming whey protein.
If you want to add whey protein to your daily consumption menu, you should consult your doctor first to find out the right dose according to your health condition.