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Whey protein is one of the most popular supplements in the world of sport, and is certainly a must-have for those who train at high intensity and therefore have an increased need for protein. What is whey protein? It is a protein powder blend made from whey, a by-product of cheese production. This by-product of cheese-making is used because it is particularly rich in protein and is therefore useful for meeting the needs of athletes. But how do you choose the best whey protein supplements and navigate the vast range of products available on the market?
In this article, we explain what whey protein is used for, the differences between whey protein concentrate, isolate and hydrolysed protein, and how to choose between them. Let’s get started!
Whey protein
Over time, whey protein supplements have evolved, meaning they are increasingly able to meet users’ expectations and needs. First came protein concentrates, which can have a concentration of up to 80 per cent. Then protein isolates, with a purity of over 90 per cent, paved the way for the latest generation of proteins: hydrolysates. Let’s take a look at the differences between these types of protein.
Whey Pure Professional by Tsunami Nutrition
Made from LACTOMIN®-certified whey protein concentrate . This patented raw material has a very high degree of purity, making it extremely soluble and easily absorbed by the body. Complete absorption maximises the protein supply to the muscles, which promotes muscle mass gain. Indeed, as we have said, proteins play an important role in the muscles; they are synthesised during the process of ‘protein synthesis’ and determine the maintenance and growth of muscle tissue. Furthermore, an adequate protein intake helps prevent the dreaded muscle catabolism, i.e. the breakdown of muscle tissue due to a lack of sufficient nutrients to meet the body’s needs.
Available in a variety of flavours, where the ‘sweet’ flavour is entirely natural and does not leave that unpleasant, strong ‘artificial’ aftertaste in the mouth. The formula is enriched with a high-quality amino acid profile and the addition of DIGENZYME, which is ideal for better digestion if you are slightly lactose-intolerant.
Whey protein isolate
The purest form of whey protein,whey protein isolate, consists of 90 per cent or more pure protein.
The protein is extracted from milk through a filtration process refined enough to produce a product virtually free from lactose, carbohydrates, fats and cholesterol. The proteins in these supplements are considered complete, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids required for our diet, with particularly high levels of branched-chain amino acids. Another interesting fact is the high leucine content, an amino acid that promotes protein synthesis in the muscles (and therefore muscle growth), as well as fat reduction, due to the increased energy required by the body to trigger the synthesis process.
Whey protein isolate supplements also contain a large amount of cysteine. It has been shown that women with high levels of cysteine have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women with lower levels of cysteine. For pregnant women, whose protein requirements are naturally higher, whey isolate supplements provide a rich source of protein. Older people may also find these supplements beneficial, as they help prevent the breakdown of bone and muscle.
Whey protein isolate supplements are primarily intended for people with digestive problems or lactose intolerance, or for discerning consumers seeking a high-quality, low-carbohydrate product. They can be very useful at the end of a cutting phase, to reduce the intake of unwanted carbohydrates.
Advantages and disadvantages of whey protein isolate
Advantages
- Contain a high percentage of pure protein
- They are almost entirely free from fat and carbohydrates;
- They are suitable for people who are lactose intolerant
Disadvantages
- Whey is sometimes denatured, meaning it has been stripped of the growth factors found in milk that help to further stimulate muscle growth.
Tsunami Nutrition ISO PURE PROFESSIONAL
Unrivalled purity, as the raw material used in Tsunami Nutrition Iso Pure Professional powder is obtained 100% via the best method available, namelycross-flow microfiltration (CROSS-FLOW MICROFILTRATION CFM®), which enables it to achieve Isolac® (CARBERY®) certification . This certification is only granted when it is established that the substance in question – in this case, whey – comes exclusively from cattle fed solely on grass grown on well-maintained land, free from pollutants and cultivated with full respect for the environment. Its subsequent processing, carried out using extremely rigorous and selective methods and controls, results in a raw material of excellent quality. How do we know that this raw material is of such high quality? Thanks to the ‘grass-fed®’ certification, which is only awarded following rigorous third-party testing.
Also excellent for people with coeliac disease, the ISO formula does not cause stomach discomfort and, in addition to the delicious and countless flavour variations, it has excellent solubility: it dissolves in the blink of an eye and poses no problems with digestibility!
Whey protein concentrate
Whey protein concentrates are the most widely used and the least expensive. They are often used to increase protein intake in order to promote muscle growth. Whilst protein isolate-based supplements generally contain over 90 per cent pure protein, protein concentrate-based supplements contain a maximum of 89 per cent. This difference is due to the fact that whey protein concentrate supplements contain a higher percentage of carbohydrates (in the form of lactose) and calories than protein isolate-based supplements, which means that these two formulations are often used together in shakes or meal replacements.
Despite a lower concentration, it is a good-quality protein (though not suitable for people who are lactose intolerant), as whey concentrates have a fairly high content of essential amino acids. They should ideally be taken at breakfast or after a workout.
Advantages and disadvantages of whey protein concentrate
Pros:
- Easily absorbed
- Lower cost
- High biological value
- Undenatured whey contains natural growth factors found in milk.
Disadvantages:
- Lower protein content
- Not suitable for people who are lactose intolerant
- Causes a high insulin response (for people with insulin resistance, this can easily lead to weight gain).
Hydrolysed whey protein
Hydrolysed whey protein is considered the ‘gold standard’ in the world of whey. Unlike concentrates and isolates, these proteins have already been broken down by certain enzymes into large peptides. They are therefore absorbed very quickly, making them more effective than others at promoting post-workout muscle hypertrophy.
Hydrolysed protein supplements can help strengthen the immune system by increasing levels of glutathione, a tripeptide that has the ability to detoxify the body and protect immune system cells.
As hydrolysed whey is characterised by its rapid absorption, it goes without saying that it is the best form of protein for the post-workout phase.
Advantages and disadvantages of hydrolysed whey protein
Advantages
- Excellent for the post-workout phase for those who need it
- It is absorbed very quickly
Disadvantages
- Less suitable outside of training
Tsunami Nutrition HYDRO PURE PROFESSIONAL
A hydrolysed protein is the star ingredient in the Tsunami Nutrition HYDRO Pure Professional formula. Hydrolysis is a process whereby proteins are broken down into smaller molecules, namely dipeptides, tripeptides and oligopeptides, mimicking the effect of our body’s digestive process on proteins in the gastrointestinal tract. This is made possible by the action of certain proteolytic enzymes – that is, specific proteins capable of breaking the bonds of other proteins and thus breaking them down. The peptides obtained in this way retain the same amino acid profile as the protein from which they are derived. However, as they are already partially digested, hydrolysed proteins remain in the stomach for much less time and can quickly reach the small intestine, where the di- and tripeptides they are composed of can be absorbed into the bloodstream very rapidly – even faster than simple amino acids!
Taking Tsunami Nutrition Hydro Pure Professional hydrolysed protein allows you to harness these mechanisms and achieve a significant increase in free amino acids in the blood after just half an hour. Athletes can therefore use the characteristics of Tsunami Nutrition Hydro Pure to their advantage and plan a precise intake strategy based on muscle demand before, during and after exercise.
The best whey protein supplements
Now that we’ve clarified the specific properties of whey protein concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate, let’s look at which products to trust. Choose the whey protein formula that best suits your needs and try all the flavours from Tsunami Nutrition!
