Whey protein is a naturally complete, high quality source of easily digested protein and bio-available essential amino acids. It is a complete protein, low in lactose content, containing all 9 essential amino acids that is easily digested and absorbs from the gut quickly compared to other types of protein. These qualities make it one of the best dietary sources of protein available.

This super supplement is the liquid byproduct (used to be discarded by cheese manufacturers as a waste product). It is sold as a dietary supplement in protein powders and shakes. The benefits of a high-quality whey protein supplement range from preserving healthy to purely aesthetic reasons.

Whey protein is a favorite supplement with athletes who use it to help improve muscle protein synthesis and promote the growth of lean muscle tissue mass when strength training.

This powerful protein helps dieters burn fat – especially belly fat! Dieters take advantage of its hunger-curbing benefits and ability to help preserve lean body mass while shedding weight. and health conscious consumers like it for the antioxidant support it offers –  delivering amino acid building blocks for glutathione, a super intracellular antioxidant.

But the benefits of this super food don’t stop there…science is also proving whey protein to be a powerful super-food in the quest towards longevity and it has proven effective at lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardio-vascular disease, and has anti-cancer properties.

There are a number of varieties of whey protein powder that you can take, each formulated slightly different to assist your goals at various points in the day. There’s one to fit all needs…

The best kind to take before or after a workout is the whey isolate variety. This type digest more quickly in the body giving your tissues what they need at this critical point in the day. On the other hand, if you are taking protein powder before bed then you’ll want to go for the casein variety as this type breaks down and digests very slowly (you get a steady and even release over time.)

If you are lactose intolerant, take the lactose free variety or consider an egg white protein powder instead. Vegetarians can turn to soy protein powder or hemp protein powder as well.

The important thing to keep in mind when choosing any whey protein variety is to find one that is low is sugar and fat content so that you are getting just 100% pure protein – or as close as possible. Avoid using them as a meal replacement too because they offer little on the satiety front and some are extremely high in sugar not exactly what you want to be loading your body with.

A typical serving of whey concentrate contains about 5 grams of carbs, 25 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fat. You can even use whey successfully in many healthy desserts and snacks.

If you are ready to take your traditional desserts and turn them into “life giving” desserts grab my “50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies. “  In it you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes…