The Many Benefits Of Whey Protein

Whey protein is even more beneficial to us than we had expected it to be even though it has been used since the time of Hippocrates. And, there has been much research ongoing about this very subject that all point in the direction of it having many health benefits. Chief among the health benefits of taking this form of protein is its effect on cancer patients.

Preventing Cancer

There has been much study on the effects of whey protein in preventing cancer as well as for its treatment, and initial studies were made on rats that were fed many different proteins after which they got a dose of carcinogen dimethylhydrazine. The result was that rats that were given whey protein had lower numbers of tumors and the health benefits were far more evident than for other proteins including even soy.

In fact, whey protein constrains the growth of breast cancer cells and there is even noticeable regression of the condition in many patients who took just thirty grams every day of this protein.

Whey protein also helps with glutathione, and on cells affected by cancer since this form of protein helps reduce the glutathione in those cells affected by cancer, and thus make these cells better suited for getting treated for cancer with means such as radiation and chemotherapy. According to research on cancer cells that were subjected to intake of this protein, such cells showed depletion of glutathione and these cells were even inhibited from further glutathione.

Controlling Cholesterol

Another benefit of taking whey protein is seen in its positive effect as far as LDL cholesterol is concerned. A concentrate of this protein helps in inhibiting oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and the reason why many scientists believe this takes place is because when LDL is converted to oxidized LDL it causes atherosclerosis, and when this process is prevented from taking place, as with use of this protein, it results in anti-atherogenic process.

The reason for this is that whey protein contains minor as well as major fractions including beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and more that help in prevention of oxidation of LDL, which is mainly due to the presence of lactoferrin that is present in whey protein. The presence of lactoferrin in whey protein is the main reason why it helps inhibit oxidation.

Finally, whey protein is also helpful with the growth of bones and according to research on the topic; it induces stronger bones as also more bone protein. However, it should be remembered that whey protein concentrates are made of different strengths though it will dramatically benefit one when it is used.