Whey protein for life extension
BY JULIE SEAMERFRIDAY, 30 JANUARY 2009
It may be surprising to know that your daily protein shake is not only boosting nutritional status, but serving as a functional food in the prevention of cancer and other common age and diet related diseases including cancer, osteoporosis and high cholesterol levels.
A study conducted at the CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition in Adelaide evaluated the anti-cancer activity of whey proteins in animals, for their potential role in disease prevention.
Dairy proteins, in particular, whey, were found to retard colon cancer in rats, compared with other dietary proteins such as soy and meat. This affect was proven in both the old and young. It is believed that the lactoferrin or lactoglobulins in whey enhance protection against the development of putative tumour precursors in the hind gut wall (ie. colon) 1.
In fact research using whey protein concentrate (WPC) led to an amazing discovery regarding the relationship between cancerous cells, glutathione and WPC. It was found that WPC selectively depletes cancer cells of glutiathione, making them more susceptible to cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotheraphy. In other words cancer cells subjected to whey proteins are depleted of their glutiahtione and thus their growth is inhibited. These effects have not be seen with any other proteins 2.
These positive actions don't end with regard to immunity and cancer prevention/treatment. WPC is also a potent inhibitor of oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol (thereby reducing LDL's ability to trigger atherogenesis- the formation of the plaque and lesions which are associated with atherosclerosis. While animal-based proteins have traditionally been implicated as being pro-atherogenic, whey proteins appear to be an exception to this rule 3.
The fractions that make up whey protein include latoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, albumin, lactoferrin and immunoglobulin. Results of studies suggest that LF (lactoferrin) is the main factor responsible for the inhibitory effect of whey on LDL and it may function synergistically together with other factors. Although another milk-based product casein has been found to raise cholesterol in animals and humans, thereby increasing risk of heart disease, whey protein had the opposite effect 4.
Finallly, whey protein also plays a direct role in bone growth. Rats fed with WPC showed increased bone strength and bone protein such as collagen. It was also found to stimulate, dose dependently, total protein synthesis, DNA content and increased hydroxyproline contents of bone cells 5.
These studies strongly support the ability of whey protein in delivering substantial human health benefits beyond sports nutrition. Arguably, WPC in particular is the life-extension protein. However, not all whey protein concentrates are created equally. Processing whey protein to remove the lactose and fats without losing biological activity takes special care. The protein must be processed under low temperature and low acid conditions so as to not denature the protein. Maintaining the natural state of the protein is essential to its biological activity and is something that Aussie Bodies prides itself on achieving in the manufacture of all our protein-enriched products.
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