We’ve all heard of it at some point – whey protein. But do we know what it is and how it works? In this article, we cover some of the basics of whey protein. What it’s made of, the different kinds of protein, and when best to take it.
What Is Whey Protein?
Whey is found in the liquid part of milk that separates during cheese production. Whey is a nutrient-dense, nearly translucent liquid consisting of all nine essential amino acids (the so-called building blocks of protein), vitamins, and minerals.
The liquid whey is then filtered and dried to make whey protein powder.
This whey protein powder is often used as a nutritional supplement to increase protein intake, as it can be easily incorporated into a diet.
Different Kinds of Whey Protein
A couple of whey protein types became popular even outside the fitness industry. The difference is in the way they have been processed:
Whey Protein Concentrate contains some lactose and fat, consisting of around 70-80% protein.
Whey Protein Isolate, consisting of around 90% protein or even higher, contains less lactose and fat and lacks many beneficial nutrients found in whey protein concentrate.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate is a pre-digested type of whey protein that gets absorbed faster by the body.
When to Take Whey Protein
Whey protein is probably the most-used supplement in fitness, and athletes, bodybuilders, and gym enthusiasts mostly use it for muscle growth.
Most fitness trainers recommend taking whey protein before, during, or after a workout session. This could be a rough guideline for anyone looking to increase and maximize muscle growth combined with strength training.
As beneficial as whey protein powder may be, it should be taken as a supplement – added to a healthy and balanced diet. The overall protein intake during the day is what matters most. So, stick to a healthy diet at all times. Add supplements as you need them or depending on your goals.
With our FitLine Whey1, you are optimally supplied with high-quality whey protein powder and a delicious taste.
Are you adding the FitLine Whey1 to your diet? You can also use our FitLine Whey1 in recipes such as the Protein Chocolate Cake our team created for the ProShape Challenge this year, or make your own FitLine Whey dessert!