Most people do their best to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, these foods don’t supply all of the nutrients your body requires to survive and thrive. You also want to make sure you’re consuming plenty of protein. Made up of amino acids, protein plays a key part in making and repairing cells as well as regulating various bodily functions and providing energy.

Protein is a macronutrient, which means you need a fairly large quantity of it to stay in peak health. It’s common to get protein from sources like red meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, tofu, beans, nuts, and seeds. Nonetheless, despite the wide range of foods protein is found in, it’s possible you might not be getting enough through your regular diet. Fortunately, protein supplements offer a convenient way to increase your intake. Although, not all protein powders are created equal. Here’s a look at why whey protein is better than other options.

Understanding Whey Protein

Whey is one of the proteins contained in cow’s milk. It consists of all nine essential amino acids and is present in the liquid part of milk that becomes separated through the cheesemaking process. During cheese production, the fatty portions of milk coagulate, creating whey as a byproduct. Once it’s been sifted out, the nutrient-dense substance is further purified and then dried before being turned into powder. This filtration process is done to ensure there is no nutritional value lost from the protein.

There are three primary types of whey protein that’s made, with the main difference being how they’re processed.

• Whey protein concentrate includes higher levels of fat and carbohydrates. The amount of protein it’s comprised of can range from approximately 30 to 80 percent based on how concentrated it is.

• Whey protein isolate contains low fat and carbohydrate content and is generally composed of at least 90 percent protein.

• Whey protein hydrolysate goes through the hydrolysis process where molecules are broken down so they can be absorbed quicker. This has the highest concentration of protein and is the most expensive.

Comparing Different Types of Protein Powders

Whey protein is the most popular, but there are several alternatives available on the market. These can be broken into two categories: animal-based and plant-based. Some of the more common kinds of protein powder include:

Casein: This is another protein derived from milk, but it’s digested more slowly than whey, meaning the amino acids are released and absorbed into the body over a period of time. The slower absorption rate can help you feel full longer, but casein contains less leucine than whey, which is a vital amino acid for muscle-building.

Pea: Made from legumes, pea protein is lactose-free. It can benefit those who have trouble digesting dairy or who follow a dairy-free diet. Generally, whey protein is easier for the body to absorb, though, and the high fiber content in pea protein has been known to upset the gastrointestinal tract.

Soy: Like pea protein, soy protein can be a good option for people who don’t eat dairy or are lactose intolerant. Having high levels of saponins, phytic acid, phytosterol, isoflavones, and lecithin, soy protein may support better heart health. Though, soy also has antinutrients and phytoestrogens. These compounds might limit the availability of healthy minerals and disrupt the body’s natural hormone levels.

Hemp: Requiring minimal processing, hemp protein is environmentally friendly. It has omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids that are good for heart health, digestion, and boosting the immune system. Again, with its high fiber content, hemp protein could cause digestive distress and bloating.

What Makes Whey Protein Superior?

While plant-based proteins have become increasingly sought-after, there are still many reasons that whey protein is preferred by the majority of consumers. For one, whey is a complete protein source with a superior amino acid profile and higher biological value when compared to its plant-based protein counterparts. There’s also evidence showing whey protein has faster absorption rates and is able to be utilized more quickly than other protein sources.

Results from various studies support the claims that whey protein contributes to weight management and weight loss as well, since it helps to reduce hunger and body fat. Additionally, research indicates that supplementing with whey protein can aid in muscle recovery and muscle growth along with maintaining heart health.

Choosing the right protein source is crucial for achieving your fitness goals and preserving your overall health. Whey protein has been well-researched and is found to be beneficial for increasing lean muscle mass and strength, encouraging weight control, and improving cardiovascular performance. If you’re looking to optimize your health and fitness results, check out R3 Protein Powder from Living R3. Using the highest quality ingredients, this product is designed to give your body the nutrients it needs to perform at the highest level.