Whey protein: the superfood for longevity

TUESDAY, 7 APRIL 2009

It's been said that if there was one protein you would eat for the rest of your life it would be whey protein. After all, this superfood so closely resembles the milk that nurtured us as newborns, both in nutritional profile and chemical structure. While whey protein has long been the number one protein choice for athletes seeking to enhance performance and muscularity, it's no surprise that whey protein delivers a host of benefits for life-prolonging health and wellbeing.

Many of us know about coenzyme Q10. But few are aware of the "master antioxidant" glutathione, which similarly declines as we age. Glutathione is both rejuvenator and disease fighter, activating enzymes that repair damaged DNA. While Glutathione has been used in the treatment of Alzheimers Disease, supplementation is difficult since the oral-administered forms do not absorb well in the gastrointestinal tract. The body prefers to feed off the three amino acids in protein required to make glutathione. Whey protein is the number one food source when it comes to delivering these three amino acids for glutathione synthesis: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine.

While glutathione acts as your first-line immune system defence, whey proteins back this up with a second wave in the form of immunoglobulins. These are essentially antibodies, boosting the body's ability to fight infection. In some studies they have been shown to even inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Immunoglobulins make up roughly 10-15% of un-denatured (undamaged) whey protein. Whey protein additionally contains the highly immune-stimulating lactoperoxidase.

After the age of 35, your digestive enzyme secretions start diminishing. Without adequate enzymes, your body simply cannot digest a big chunk of protein very well. So you may well be eating sufficient protein, but you may not be making good use of it. The result is partially-digested protein which begins to putrefy in the intestines, causing discomfort and leaching toxins into the system. Little of this contributes valuable protein to the body. What you need is a highly digestible protein source such as whey protein. In fact, whey protein is so easily digested, it has become the common base ingredient in infant formula.* In addition, whey protein contains lactoferrin which inhibits the growth of unfriendly bacteria and fungi, due to its ability to bind iron. In the US, lactoferrin was recently approved as an anti-microbial addition to meats to prevent the growth of pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella. Lactoferrin also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidus.

Whey protein also supports healthy joints and bones. Just like glutathione, amino acids in whey protein are used to help the body make its own glucosamine and chondroitin. Protein assists in the repair of all connective tissue. Collagen is the predominant protein in cartilage and all types of connective tissue. As protein is a tissue rebuilder, it's no surprise that a diet rich in dairy proteins improves bone mineral density. In addition, calcium in whey protein provides added support for healthy bones.

Sounds great, but will the side effects of protein supplementation be weight gain? Fear not. Whey protein alone is not a body builder. Heavy resistance weight training stimulates the muscle's demand for protein, and protein merely fills this demand. In non-weight trained individuals, protein goes to work where it is needed the most: replenishing skin, hair, nails, repairing bones and joints, optimising hormone production and supporting the immune system and digestive tract.

An excellent source of whey protein is Aussie Bodies Perfect Protein. Being a Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC), Perfect Protein has a richer content of beneficial protein fractions. WPC is generally a better tasting, better mixing and more affordable protein supplement than other powder formulations. Because the taste profile is better, WPC rarely requires artificial sweetening. Aussie Bodies Perfect Protein is an excellent example of a protein supplement with no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners added. It is one of the few whey proteins on the market – WPC or WPI – that is not artificially sweetened. WPC has a slightly slower absorption rate compared to WPI, which means greater utilisation and less wastage, particularly when consumed between meals or before bed.

Simply shake or machine-blend a scoop of Perfect Protein in a glass of water, non-fat milk or juice. Add fruits to make a delicious fruit smoothie. It doesn't have to be a shake. You can add a serving to yoghurts, cereals and other foods for a healthy protein boost. The Natural format is unflavoured, helping to bring out the flavour of the foods you're protein-boosting.

*Only whey protein in infant formula, not Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods, are suitable for infants

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