When it comes to health supplements, protein powder is one of the most popular. And of all the types of protein powder on the market, whey protein is perhaps the best known. But what exactly is whey protein? And what are the different types? Which whey protein powder is right for you? Keep reading to find out.
Types of Whey Protein Powder
Whey protein is a type of protein derived from milk. It’s a complete protein, which means that it contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs.
There are three main types of whey protein: whey concentrate, whey isolates, and whey hydrolysates. Here’s a closer look at each one:
1. Whey Concentrate
This is the most common type of whey protein. It contains between 70-80% protein, with the rest made up of fat and lactose.
Whey concentrate is a good source of essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are important for muscle growth and recovery. However, because it contains lactose, those with dairy sensitivities may want to avoid it.
2. Whey Hydrolysates
Whey hydrolysates are pre-digested, meaning that they’ve been broken down into smaller peptides for faster absorption. They’re also the most expensive type of whey protein.
While they’re not necessarily better than other types of whey protein in terms of muscle building or recovery, they may be a good choice for those who have trouble digesting other types of protein powders.
3. Whey Isolates
Whey isolates are made by further processing whey concentrate to remove fat and lactose. As a result, they contain 90-95% protein. They’re also virtually lactose-free and fat-free, making them a good choice for those with dairy sensitivities.
However, they tend to be more expensive than whey concentrates. Another option for those who have dairy sensitivity is the vegan protein powder.
Which Type of Whey Protein Powder?
So which type of whey protein * is right for you? If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, go with whey concentrate.
If you have dairy sensitivities, opt for whey isolate or hydrolysate instead, or vegan protein powder.
And if you’re willing to pay a bit more for faster absorption, whey hydrolysate may be the way to go.
No matter which type you choose, make sure to read the label carefully to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product without any unhealthy additives. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying any new supplement.
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