Advantages of Whey Protein
Whey protein is derived from cow’s milk and is a pure and natural source for many of the essential amino acids needed by the body. Whey protein in its purest form has little to no fat, lactose or cholesterol. If incorporated into a traditional weight management program it can have many positive effects.
Whey protein is known to have high levels of leucine, an essential amino acid. Higher levels of leucine have been shown to help preserve lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss. In a study issued by the Journal of Nutrition, Layman compared a high protein diet, rich in leucine to a typical high carbohydrate American diet. All participants in the study consumed an average of 1700 kcals/day. The protein rich diet was designed to be 30% protein, 41% carbohydrates, and 29% fat (average 125g of protein per day) while the high carbohydrate diet was designed to be 16% protein, 58% carbohydrates and 26% fat (average 65g of protein per day). All of the participants lost the same average amount of weight but when their fat mass was compared, the leucine rich diet lost more fat mass and retained more lean muscle mass than the high carbohydrate diet. In addition to this, follow-up studies show that participants consuming the leucine rich diet (lean protein sources) continued to lose weight and had a decrease in blood sugar levels when compared to the high carbohydrate group.
The data clearly show that a diet rich in a high quality lean protein such as whey can have a positive impact on your weight loss results. Our partners at Bariatrix Nutrition have added their new Proti-Choice shakes: a whey based shake at an affordable price, and we will be carrying these later this year. In addition to the utilization of whey protein, their new Proti-Choice shakes also provide a serving of essential vitamins and minerals and 2 grams of dietary fiber in only 100-110 calories. (Courtesy Bariatrix Nutrition)