5 Whey Protein Myths Busted
The nutrition world is full of misinformation, and it’s often hard to find the truth in a sea of tips, tricks, recommendations, trends, fads, and rules. It seems as though every health decision you make in good faith has some mysterious horrible side effect lurking on the internet to dissuade you. More often than not, these warnings are myths that require some research to uncover the truth. Whey protein is no different.
Because of its popularity and health benefits, whey protein is often saddled with myths and misconceptions. Whey protein is an amazing supplement to a healthy diet and can be extremely beneficial to weight loss and a balanced nutrition. But there is quite a bit of information out there, positive, negative, and just plain confusing. To help you sort through it all, we’re busting the most common myths about whey protein.
Myth # 1—Whey Protein Isn’t a Natural Protein Source
The worry that whey protein isn’t a natural protein source is frequent online, in a time when people are more aware and concerned about eating whole, organic, and natural foods. Because whey protein often comes in a powder form, it’s often incorrectly assumed to be unnatural. The truth is, whey protein is a derivative of whey, which is the liquid part of milk that separates during the cheese production process. Whey is found in many other foods, and whey protein is often used to fortify things you’re likely already eating, like protein bars and instant oatmeals. As a milk derivative, whey protein is just as natural as the milk in your cereal.
Myth # 2—All Whey Protein Powders are the Same
Because many protein powders use the same root ingredients, and are whey protein-based, many people think they’re all indistinguishable, differing only in terms of brand, price, and flavor. But it’s not quite so simple. Whey protein powders are one of three types: concentrate, isolate or hydrolysate. These types differ because of the methods used to process them. Although whey isolate and whey concentrate have identical types of amino acids, and both types are beneficial to health, whey isolate has more protein and less carbohydrates and fat per serving. Whey isolate is lactose free, which is helpful for those who are lactose intolerant.
Myth # 3—You Can Never Have Too Much Protein
The old saying “you can never have much of a good thing” doesn’t always apply. Though it’s true that a diet rich in protein, with protein present at each meal, is recommended by metabolic coaches, the key to a healthy diet and metabolism is balance. Protein is necessary and good for you, but only eating protein would be detrimental to your health. Having the proper balance of macronutrients will allow you to reach your fitness goals and stay healthy. Just like you wouldn’t overeat carbs or fats, you shouldn’t overeat protein. As long as you’re getting the recommended amount, and including it in each meal to stay full and nourished, you’ll be just fine.
Myth # 4—Whey Protein is Only for Bodybuilders
Protein supplements have long been popular with bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, but it’s become a misconception that whey protein is only helpful for bulking up. While it’s true that whey protein can aid in muscle growth, its most popular benefit is weight loss. Whey boosts energy, keeps you fuller longer, and cuts cravings. If you’re looking to get those huge muscle gains, whey protein is only a small part of the bodybuilding lifestyle, and simply adding whey won’t produce those results. If weight loss, nourishment, and nutrition are in line with your goals, whey protein can be extremely beneficial. Many women stay away from protein, and whey in particular, because they don’t associate it with their desired physique. But, balanced with the other macronutrients, whey protein can help you lose weight and keep the muscle that makes you feel strong and look toned.
Myth # 5—Whey Protein Can Only Be Used in Shakes
The daily protein smoothie or shake is the way we most often see whey protein consumed. And, it can get a little boring after a while. But isn’t whey protein powder just made to be blended or mixed into water or milk? Well, that’s where it’s time to get creative. Most whey protein jars will have instructions to mix a scoop into the liquid of your choice, and off you go. But with a little innovation, you can think outside the parameters of those instructions and make tons of delicious whey protein treats. If you’re sick of smoothies, there is no limit to what you can make with whey protein powder. You can try protein pancakes or waffles, mixing it into yogurt or oatmeal, or even incorporating it into baked goods instead of flour.
Now that you know the truth about whey protein, learn more about Muscle Fuse® Whey Protein Isolate and how it can help you reach your fitness goals.
