The Whey Protein Benefits site contains many other posts outlining the amazing benefits of using whey protein and can be found here, or by clicking the whey protein benefits link above.
Just as an overview for those who are unaware, antioxidants are molecules which can prevent the breakdown and mutation of cells which cause cancer, strokes and many other diseases. Many so-called super foods like blueberries, green and white tea, and acai
berries are very rich in antioxidants.
Not as well known, whey protein has shown itself to be extremely rich in antioxidants as well. Specifically, whey protein contains enormous amounts of the essential amino-acid cysteine which can to be synthesized to boost the production of the antioxidant glutathione, the primary antioxidant found in the human body.
The importance of cysteine, and the dangers of low levels of glutathione can be shown in many cases, with deficiencies in this antioxidant having been linked to people suffering from:
- HIV
- Immune deficiencies
- Hepatitis
- Various forms of cancer
- Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorder
- Asthma
In recent years, several recent studies into this particular antioxidant have showed results in improving survival rates in AIDS patients, while some preliminary studies on animals have shown that glutathione can even reduce the likelihood of cancer. On top of that, boosted levels of glutathione in your blood have been shown to:
- Slow down cell death
- Improve the immune system
- Speed healing from physical wounds
- Decrease allergic response to allergens
- Improve the rate at which toxins are removed from your body
In order to receive the most benefits from whey protein when using it as a powerful antioxidant food source, it is important you are not choosing whey protein isolate. Ensure that you are selecting a cold-pressed (meaning heat isn’t used during processing of the whey, thus destroying the antioxidant properties present in whey), and ideally organic whey protein powder. Please see our protein powder reviews for good examples of such products.
Older people specifically often have far less glutathione present in their bodies. As there is a direct correlation between whey protein intake and glutathione levels, it is especially important for this segment of the population whey protein is included as part of their regular daily diet.
The benefits for everyone of including whey protein as part of your regular diet are immense, for both the young or old, and even for those who are not regular exercisers or athletes. Whey protein can help prevent a multitude of common physical diseases as well as mental degradation in old age. Recent studies on antioxidants have shown how important they are in supporting a healthy lifestyle well into old age, and that importance cannot be understated.
Specific scholarly scientific studies on whey protein can be found here, and here.
Reviews on our favorite whey protein powders can be found here (including organic), and if you are interested in taking whey daily to benefit your health, you can buy whey protein here.
You can return to the homepage of whey protein benefits here.
