Beginner’s Guide to Whey Protein Isolate

What is Whey Protein Isolate?

We all have seen that meme- a fitness meme wherein one pic there is a whey isolate protein container standing in one corner all alone while in another pic there is a whey protein concentrate container studying a book, concentrating really hard in reading. Maybe reading as to why protein isolate is better when it comes to supplementing.

As we all know that proteins are the building blocks of our body to grow those muscles, to make them strong and that is why the moment you finish your workout, you get that shaker out and sip on that protein shake or maybe gulp it down to get those gains.

          Now the normal locker room scene is that all are sipping on protein and the discussion is about protein shake and exchange of information as to who is having what kind of protein and while one of them is boasting as to Isolate is way better than any other protein just because it has more protein per scoop or that his trainer recommended it or maybe the gym bro from around swears by it. Yes, more protein per scoop is better, but then what is isolate protein for real?

          Basically, protein is a composition of 20 different amino acids and out of these 20, 13 are essential amino acids. The availability of these amino acids in the food we eat depends on what we eat. Animal source protein is better than plant based protein but then there is the whey – dairy.  

Protein powders are also a good source of protein be it whey, soy based or plant based protein powders. Even animal based protein powders are available. The labels specifically mention the source of the protein, so do not worry and read the label.

          Any kind of food is basically made up of or is a combination of all macro and micronutrients inclusive of some vitamins and minerals. In protein powders, the protein from that food source is separated from other components like gluten, carbs, lactose, sugars, fats, cholesterol, etc. This is processing or filtration of the food to get the quality protein.

          In making isolate protein, the process is further carried out to separate, filter and collect the purest protein fractions. If you can compare a whey concentrate container label and an isolate whey container label, you will notice the difference in the quantity of carbs and fats per scoop of the protein powder; this difference is because of the extra filtration process that the isolate has gone through to provide more protein per scoop.

What are the benefits of Isolate Protein?

          All the benefits of protein are present in the isolate protein be it for cell repair, tissue generation, muscle health and growth, organ development and maintenance, good hormone levels, more muscle mass and lean tissue, less body fat leading to better body composition, good bone health and density, strong tendons, fast recovery and repair after workouts and from injury, lower blood pressure, low cholesterol levels, anti-ageing, longevity, etc.

All the above benefits being present in Isolate Protein, there are additional benefits that isolate protein provides –

• Faster recovery and muscle repair.
• Faster absorption as less breakdown is required in the digestive system.
• Satisfies hunger and controls hunger pangs.
• Promotes fat loss.
• Reduces belly fat.
• Reduces bloating.
• Controls calorie intake.
• Pure source of essential amino acids.
• Promotes greater strength gains from training.
• Controls sugar levels.
• May prevent/treat Type 2 Diabetes.
• Boosts Immunity.
• Prevents muscle breakdown.

The uses and benefits of whey protein isolate are numerous and plentiful and when considering protein intake in supplementation then it is better to consume a pure form of protein which in turn controls your overall food intake and provides all the essential nutrients in your diet.

ISOLATE PROTEIN IS IDEAL FOR –

1. Ketogenic diet.
2. Fat Loss.
3. Body Builders.
4. Competition prep.
5. Lean body and aesthetic physique.
6. Physique competitor, fitness athlete, model.
7. Photo shoots prep.
8. People having high body fat.
9. People having high blood pressure.
10. Those having sugar problems or diabetes. (Consult doctor for diabetes.)
11. To counter high cholesterol levels.
12. Affordability.
13. For faster gains and progress through training.
14. Sportspersons and athletes.

Protein is essential for everyone and hence isolate protein can be consumed by anyone. One can be allergic to certain source/kind of food but almost no one is allergic to protein as it is what we are made of. Protein is gender neutral and so be it boys or girls, men or women, all can consume protein. 

Someone once asked Arnold as to how much protein should one eat and to that Arnie replied “All of it. Eat all the protein that you can.” So when it comes to supplementation it is better to have quality substance depending upon affordability and one’s budget.

So if you haven’t been sipping on your protein shake while reading this then go and have your protein shake, eat all the protein you can and gulp down that protein shake for the gains.  

EAT THAT PROTEIN, ALL THAT PROTEIN, MORE PROTEIN – ISOLATE PROTEIN