Whey protein - Boon or a Bane ?

• Studies show Whey protein increases whole body protein metabolism and promote growth of lean muscle mass and performance recovery after resistance exercise

• Consumption of rapidly digested leucine rich proteins helps in muscle hypertrophy & Weight loss

• Studies show that high protein diets increase cardiovascular risk by activating macrophage mTOR to suppress mitophagy and by promotion of unstable plaque formation

• Research shows many reputed whey protein powders have heavy metals (Lead , Arsenic , Cadmium , Mercury) , BPA(Bisphenol-A) , Pesticides and other toxins which increase cancer and heart disease risk

What is whey protein ?

Milk is known as Nature's most complete food. It has all 9 essential amino acids , but it also has lactose . Milk has Whey and Casein proteins . Whey protein is separated from casein in milk and sold as whey protein powders . Whey protein is a Complete protein having all 9 essential amino acids

What are the benefits of whey protein ?

1. Aids in muscle hypertrophy and recovery

2. Reduces cancer risk

3. Improves immunity 

4. Lowers LDL & Total cholesterol

5. Lowers blood pressure

6. Promotes cardiac health

What are the dangers of whey protein ?

1. Coronary artery disease (Unstable plaque formation) -

Anything in excess is dangerous , Above benefits of whey protein is seen with only moderate daily consumption of whey protein (i.e.., 20-40gms)  . Excess consumption has inverse effect on cardiac health and promotes atherosclerosis leading to Coronary artery disease. Studies show that high protein diets increase cardiovascular risk by activating macrophage mTOR to suppress mitophagy and by promotion of unstable plaque formation

2. Cancer - usually milk has heavy metals naturally , because cows and buffaloes are herbivores they consume grass and they get heavy metals from earth naturally , which get excreted in milk . so milk has heavy metals naturally but in very little amount .we consume about 500ml milk daily approximately so we get exposed to very little amount of heavy metals . But to produce 1 kg of whey protein 200 liters of milk is used i.e.., 1 scoop of whey (30 gms) is prepared from nearly 6 litres of milk . So we are exposed to heavy metals almost 10 times more with only 1 scoop. so people consuming more whey are at more risk. Heavy metals not only increase cancer risk but also cardiovascular risk

Another reason for cancer is Some Whey protein brands sell the protein powder in non food grade plastic to save some money (which contain BPA [Bisphenol -A] a xenoestrogen endocrine disruptor and carcinogen)

• Other possible side effects include - Nausea , Vomiting , Headache , acne etc..,

What precautions to take ?

Try to meet protein needs naturally from food sources (Like skimmed milk , Eggs , grains, nuts , seeds)  

Consume no more than 1 scoop whey protein (25-30 gms) that too from trusted brand

Check the plastic container type the whey protein is in food grade plastic or not 

If you want to be more careful check the levels of heavy metals and any presence of BPA or other toxins in whey protein powder from nearest laboratory available in your street 

*CHANCES OF WHEY PROTEIN ADULTERATION ESPECIALLY IN INDIA IS MORE FOR EASY MONEY SO ALWAYS CONFIRM WITH THE COMPANY YOU BOUGHT EVERYTIME YOU BUY*

Conclusion - 

Natural food sources remains best choice

Trusted and verified whey protein powder , Moderate consumption is ok with resistance training

#crackmbbs