Thread: Article: Whey Protein : The Debate

Here's where I stand on the matter!

Whey protein is one of the best and most useful supplements of all time. BUT it should just be that, a supplement.

People rely on it far too much. Wasting endless amounts of money on products which promise quick gains and ground braking results. But for most, these results are unattainable because they have forgotten about solid foods and proper diet. They get sucked in by the marketing and what the products promise, but forget that these SUPPLEMENTS, should just form part of a well structured, healthy, balanced diet.

Too many times have I seen on forums, people asking 'Which is the best protein to put on lean muscle?' or 'Whats the best protein to help lose weight?'. When the answer is simply, DIET. No shake will add 10lbs of muscle, or help you lose 10lbs in fat.

Having said that, they do play an important role when used correctly, with an already well planned diet and training plan. The easily and fast digested nature of the products make them perfect for delivering much needed nutrients to our muscles, when they need them most.

They have also started to include added extra's such as; creatine, amino acids, healthy fats etc... Which increase the appeal of the products.

To conclude, I believe that Whey protein has MANY benefits and can play a VITAL role in our heavily active lifestyles. BUT ONLY when used correctly, and when it SUPPLEMENTS a good diet.

There actually dont seem to be many resources around which identify the key differences between whey protein types. I understood that Isolates release faster into the blood stream than Concentrate, but had no idea of the negative affects from heat manufacture.I have actually never considered the manufacturing process. Having done a little more research it appears that there are actually only a few dairy farms with the ability to blend whey proteins in bulk. Do you think this means that many brands are in fact the exact same protein (from the same plant and cows etc) each each other?In response to DHumphries, I agree that whole foods are a necessary part of any training regime, but is interesting to find out that there are such difference within all these products, particularly given the similar marketing platforms.

Very interesting article. I know people who flat out refuse to use protein shakes as they assume that it will make them bloated and full of wind, but I have always said that it is likely a side affect from the lactose. The issue with many low quality protein shakes is that they destroy the market before it has even had a time to grow. The first shake I ever used was Super Weightgainer 3000 from Holland and Barratts, about 10 years ago. It cost about £20 for a massive 5kg tub. Within 10 minutes of consumption I was on the toilet swearing never to waste money on protein shakes again. Thankfully I was educated by some knowledgeable people at my gym and invested in a higher quality protein, and have since had no such issues. For those who think whey protein is a waste of money, try using a higher quality shake. You wont regret it.