The pursuit of a healthy life along with six-pack abs has spawned a mega-million dollar diet and exercise industry. The popularity of the high protein-low carbohydrate diets pushed to the fore the need for easily available alternatives to plant and animal proteins that also provided optimum nutrition. Optimum nutrition is found in the powdered compounds of whey protein concentrates and isolates.

Whey is a dairy product that is produced as an outgrowth of the cheese-making process. The whey is processed to a concentrated or isolate state in order to remove the significant amounts of fat and lactose when in its raw form. Both the concentrate and isolate forms offer nutritional value.

The only difference between a concentrate or isolate whey protein is the degree of filtering each experiences. Isolate is filtered to the point that it is almost a pure product with a protein value in the 95% range. Concentrate is filteres less to achieve anywhere from a 70% to 85% protein value. The longer filtering process adds to the expense of the isolate which is passed down to the consumer. Although the isolate does offer a higher concentration of protein, it is beleived that some of the nutitional value for the immune system may be lessened.

Regardless of whether a concentrate or isolate, both states offers exceptional protein value. To ensure a proper nutritional balance, a number of manufacturers offer a blend of both concentrate and isolate. Due to the higher cost for the isolate, the blend is usually greater for the concentrate. The blends allow the end product to be highly effective both nutritionally and financially.

Some of the nutritional advantages of whey protein are found in its muscle building amino acid properties. Also known as biological value, whey protein has proven to be a muscle building protein. Another advantage is the ability of the body to make use of all the whey it absorbs.

The human metabolism is highly impacted by the amino acids found in protein. The metabolism affects fat burning and energy related processes. A sluggish metabolism can be attributed to weight gain and problems with fatigue. A highly functioning metabolism supports athletes. Body builders and the average person seeking to achieve or maintain an optimum level of healthy activity.

Nutritional balance is the goal of a healthy lifestyle. It is advocated that the human body requires a daily intake of one gram of protein for every pound of body weight. This is increased depending on the muscle-building goals of athletes and professionals. In order to receive the maximum advantages of protein consumption, it is counseled to divide it into 4-6 smaller portions over a 12 hour time period. Due to its high absorbtion ability, whey protein is most effective when taken upon rising and before retiring.

Traditional protein sources such as fish, poultry, even egg whites, require various lengths of time for preparation. Each of these also delivers less protein in a normal portion than whey. The convenience of whey protein for optimum nutrition is one of its best features. Generally, it only takes seconds to mix the powder with a liquid and there are no pots or pans to clean.

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