When going to buy whey protein, it is extremely important that you are selecting the right type of whey protein for whatever goals you have. These goals may be as a diet supplement, for the numerous health benefits of whey
protein, or as part of a fitness or muscle building regimen. In a future post we will also be examining the differences between whey, soy and casein protein, but for now, we will focus on the most popular.
The three basic “types” of whey protein that consumers need to be aware of are:
• Whey Concentrate
• Whey Isolate
• Whey Hydrolysate
Whey concentrate would be the most well known form of whey protein. It is the cheapest to manufacture, and has the lowest protein by weight of all 3 types. It is also the most common type used as a fitness supplement by athletes.
Whey isolate is a far more processed type of whey protein. Due to its processing it contains less fat and carbohydrates than whey concentrate, and has a higher protein by weight (generally over 90%). They are also generally cholesterol free, as compared to whey concentrate which has a small amount of cholesterol present.
The third and most expensive type of whey protein is whey hydrolysate which is the absolute best type of whey protein one can purchase. This is the most highly processed type and is considered “pre-digested”; that is it is far easier for the body to process and use than isolate and concentrate. Because of the ability of the body to utilize more hydrolysate protein at a faster rate, it has a distinctive advantage in muscle building, as higher protein absorption can increase whey proteins natural ability of improving muscular growth and fat burning. Due to hydrolysates “pre-digested” state, it is also the least allergenic.
All 3 have a place in the supplement world, from the cheap whey concentrate, to the high performing hydrolysate. It is important that you are selecting not only the right type for your needs, but also that once settling on a type you are ensuring you are buying from a high quality source.
Additional general information on whey protein can be found here, as well as you can read some reviews of our favorite brands of whey protein powder here.
Also if this information was helpful and you are looking at purchasing some protein, please make sure you check out our store here, we have great prices on only quality merchandise.
