BY STEVE BORN
Look high and low, but you won’t find a better overall protein source than whey protein isolate, which is what we use in Recoverite and Whey Protein. We guarantee that if you incorporate these two products into your daily regimen—Recoverite right away after exercise, Whey Protein at bedtime and at other times during the day—you’ll see some very impressive and noticeable results in the quality of both your recovery and overall health, and you’ll obtain these benefits in a relatively short time.
Why Whey? Here’s Why!
Taking nothing away from other good protein sources, such as those found in Vegan Recoverite or Plant Protein, whey protein isolate stands high above the rest in terms of quality and benefits, including these:
1. Superiority in protein measurement standards
No matter what measurement of protein quality is used—Biological Value (BV), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), or Net Protein Utilization (NPU)—whey protein isolate comes out on top.
Looking just at Biological Value (BV), compared to the original “standard bearer,” egg white protein, which has a BV of 100, whey protein isolate’s BV is 159… nothing else comes close! The high BV of whey protein isolate means (among other things) that it is the most rapidly absorbed protein source, with a higher percentage retained by the body, resulting in less waste and more efficient protein utilization. Both Recoverite and Whey Protein contain 100% whey protein isolate. [1, 2, 3]
2. The richest source of all nine essential amino acids
Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine are designated as “essential” amino acids because they cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from outside sources. Whey protein isolate has the highest volume of all nine essential amino acids, including the all-important branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). [3, 4]
3. Extraordinary immune system-boosting properties
Whey protein contains excellent levels of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine—the three amino acids required for glutathione production. Glutathione is considered by many experts to be the number one antioxidant of all. Glutamine, another amino acid that we add to Recoverite and Whey Protein in sizable amounts, supplies numerous benefits for overall health, including being yet another precursor for the bodily production of glutathione. [5, 6] Additionally, whey contains special proteins called immunoglobulins that stimulate immune function.
4. Reduced aches and soreness
Study subjects consuming 20+ grams of whey protein daily were found to have significantly reduced levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), which the researchers refer to as “a sensitive marker of inflammation.” [7]
5. Protection against type 2 diabetes
Typically, a high-fat diet produces excessive weight gain, along with metabolic complications that are associated with a greater risk for type 2 diabetes. In one study, mice were fed a high-fat diet for 11 weeks. One group received no whey protein, while the other group was fed 100 grams of whey protein per liter of drinking water (note: this is equivalent to about 12 grams for a 165-pound human). The results showed that the mice fed whey protein had noticeable improvements in both glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, compared to control mice that did not consume whey protein. [8]
Enjoy “whey” better recovery and overall health in just two steps
1. “Refill the tank” with Recoverite immediately after your workouts. This is perhaps the easiest way to improve your athletic performance: You train. You replenish your body with the high-quality carbs, whey protein isolate, glutamine, and key complementary nutrients found in Recoverite right away after your workout is done. Simple! Your body now has the fuel it needs to kick-start the all-important recovery process, ensuring that you’re ready to go for the next day’s workout.
2. Consume a serving of Whey Protein just prior to bed. The body does much of its reparation/recuperative processes while you sleep. Consuming a serving of Hammer Whey (mixed in water only) prior to bed, provides the body with the amino acids it needs to accomplish these “during sleep” processes.
Additionally, the 6 grams of glutamine added to Whey Protein will maximize human growth hormone (hGH) release, which naturally occurs primarily during the first hour or two after falling asleep. Known as slow-wave sleep, this is the deepest, most restorative stage of the sleep period. The benefits of maximal hGH release are discussed in the article at https://hammernutrition.com/blogs/endurance-library/glutamine-benefits, and note that research showed that glutamine supplementation raised growth hormone levels more than four times (400%!!) over that of a placebo.
How much protein do you need?
Protein intake from food and supplements should be in the range of 1.4 g/kg to 1.7 g/kg per day. To get your weight in kilograms (kg), take your weight in pounds and divide by 2.2. Then multiply that number by 1.4 to 1.7. The answer you get is the number of grams of protein you should aim for daily. Use the lower amount on non/easy workout days and use the higher amount for periods of high-volume/intensity training.
EXAMPLE:
- 180 lb. person = 81.82 kg
- 81.82 x 1.4 = 114.5 grams of protein daily
- 81.82 x 1.7 = 139 grams of protein daily
We like to refer to whey protein isolate as a “superfood” and not just merely an outstanding protein source, because of all the benefits that it offers. That’s why making whey protein isolate a part of your daily protein intake—not just after exercise (via Recoverite) and prior to bed (via Whey Protein)—is a wise and healthy strategy to employ. Get your day started in an ideal fashion with a serving of Whey Protein for breakfast, and if you’re looking to trim off a couple of pounds, Whey Protein can help there as well! See the article Why Whey Helps With Weight Loss for more.
Whey protein isolate is the highest-quality protein there is, which is why Recoverite and Whey Protein contain it.
- Derived from US-raised 100% grass-fed cows
- Completely free of antibiotics and hormones
- Loaded with immune-enhancing factors, including beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin
- Free of lactose, fat, and added sugar
Nothing else comes close!
REFERENCES:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905294/
[2] https://www.hammernutrition.com/knowledge/endurance-library/protein-debate-which-protein-is-best
[3] http://wheyproteininstitute.org/sites/default/files/protein-quality-comparison-chart.pdf
[4] https://www.dairyglobalnutrition.org/about-us/editorials/whey-protein-provides-an-ideal-dietary-source-of-essential-amino-acids
[5] Kent KD, Harper WJ, Bomser JA. Effect of whey protein isolate on intracellular glutathione and oxidant-induced cell death in human prostate epithelial cells. Toxicol In Vitro. 2003 Feb;17(1):27-33.
[6] Bounous G, Gervais F, Amer V, Batist G, Gold P. The influence of dietary whey protein on tissue glutathione and the diseases of aging. Clin Invest Med. 1989;12:343-9.
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25671415
[8] Shertzer HG, Woods SE, Krishan M, Genter MB, Pearson KJ. Dietary whey protein lowers the risk for metabolic disease in mice fed a high-fat diet. J Nutr. 2011 Apr 1;141(4):582-7.
