As a fitness enthusiast, you know there are extra protein requirements when you push your body hard to create changes. There are different types of protein you can select from when adding the supplement to your diet. Casein and whey proteins each come from cow's milk however they are not the same. The best news is that you want to add protein to your diet, whey to go!

Casein or Whey Protein?

Casein is less soluble and has a lower quality rating than whey protein which makes the whey a better choice for nutritional supplementation. Often referred to as the “Gold Standard” of protein, it has the highest  nutritive value on the market.  Whey protein has recently come into even greater favor thanks to its many benefits such as assistance with weight loss, infant nutrition and improved immune system functioning.

Brands of Whey Protein:

There are several different brands of whey protein on the market for you to chose from:

•    GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey
•    Body Fortress Dietary Supplement
•    Enhanced Life Extension Protein
•    Designer Whey Protein Supplement
•    Champion Nutrition Pure Whey Protein

How is Whey Protein Processed?

When manufacturing whey protein, there are several steps to ensure a high quality isolate is the end result.

•    A batch of fresh milk is tested and then approved by the Quality Assurance testers and the milk is then pasteurized
•    The casein along with some of the milk-fat are separated and cheese is made
•    The liquid which remains then goes through a filtering process to separate the whey protein from the lactose and other products
•    The process continues when the liquid concentrate whey enters an ion exchange tower to further purify the whey protein
•    Drying is a critical step to remove any water
•    Finally, the pure whey protein isolate powder is packaged and ready for sale

Why do you Need Whey Protein?


Now you know you need protein, what are some brands you can look for and how it is made, but do you know why you need protein?

•    Helps to repair vital cells throughout the body  
•    A main component when building and repairing muscles and bones
•    Is a main source of energy for fueling the body
•    Control many of the important processes in the body related to metabolism

Active individuals like sedentary individuals require protein to sustain healthy functioning. The difference between the two besides their activity level is that the active fitness participant or athlete needs more protein to sustain the activity and fuel the muscles.  

Whey protein has all the essential amino acids an active person requires and has the highest known source of naturally occurring branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) which are needed by exercise participants because their bodies use them during the training sessions. In conclusion, if you are an avid exerciser or athlete, you need to take additional protein supplements and whey is the best.