Not looking for a specific type of protein or just unsure what protein is best to use? Start with a protein blend and get the best of all worlds by utilising a protein powder that covers every aspect of dietary protein intake. Nutrition Warehouse has a wide range of whey protein blends so you can perform to your best and achieve your fitness and health goals. 

A protein blend combines fast, medium or slow-digesting dairy-based proteins to ensure recovery and appetite control are accounted for. Generally, protein blends consist of whey protein isolate (WPI) and whey protein concentrate (WPC). Other proteins found in protein blends may include casein, naturally occurring milk proteins with a slow digestion rate and excellent appetite control.

Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) is the initial protein produced as a by-product during the cheese-making process. It has a moderate digestion rate and yields approximately 80% protein per 100g of powder. It yields the highest amount of natural health markers, including healthy bacteria, immunoglobulins and IGF-1 and IGF-2 factors. On the other hand, Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) is created through the filtration of Whey Protein Concentrate. This process reduces the carbohydrate and fat content while increasing the amino acid profile and protein purity, yielding up to 90% of protein per 100g of powder. WPI has a faster digestion rate than WPC, is easily digested and is characteristically known for being great for recovery.

By utilising a protein blend, your body is provided with the best proteins for minimising muscle breakdown while simultaneously maximising muscle growth with whey. A protein blend provides the body with maximum protein source variability as they are high in natural health markers. They also offer a great combination of recovery proteins. They are also a fantastic dietary supplement due to their complete blend of protein sources.

Effects of Whey Protein on Muscle Mass and Strength

Whey protein is very popular among bodybuilders, athletes, fitness models and people looking to perform at their peak in the gym. The way whey protein works by promoting muscle and strength gain includes:

1. Protein for increasing muscle growth. This happens as protein and amino acids serve as the building blocks for an increase in muscle mass.

2. It helps to increase growth hormone as it increases the release of anabolic hormones such as insulin.

3. Whey protein is fast absorbed and utilised when compared to other types of protein.

4. Whey protein is high in leucine, an amino acid known for stimulating muscle protein synthesis at the molecular and genetic levels.

The best time to have whey protein for muscle growth and strength is right before, after or during a workout. Muscle protein synthesis is usually maximised after training, according to researchers. However, recent studies have shown that consuming protein daily is the most relevant factor in muscle growth.

The amount of protein you should have a day will vary from person to person. Protein powders are commonly taken around 25 to 50 grams per day, equivalent to 1 to 2 scoops. This number will vary depending on your fitness goals, body type and whey protein supplement you wish to consume. The bottom line is that protein powders are a great and easy way to add more protein to your diet. It's a quality protein source easily absorbed and utilised by the body. When it comes to fat loss and muscle gain, protein is the essential nutrient to be added to your nutritional needs.

FAQs:

Q: What is Whey Protein Blend?

A protein blend combines whey protein concentrate (WPC) and/or whey protein isolate (WPI) with another type of protein powder. Whey blends usually contain a lower net percentage of protein when compared with whey protein isolates. Whey blends are also more affordable. In short, whey protein blends combine more than one protein source.

Q: Are there alternatives to whey protein blends that aren't dairy-derived?

Alternative non-dairy and vegetarian-friendly proteins such as egg albumin, pea protein or rice protein will also ensure maximum recovery is achieved, appetite is supported, and the dietary protein is complete. Pea and Rice proteins provide protein source variability, are vegan-friendly and are characterised by having a moderate digestion speed, are high in the recovery branched-chain amino acids (BCAA's) and are low in carbohydrates and fat.

Q: Can I have whey protein if I want to lose weight?

It's well known that protein can help weight loss when combined with a nutritional and exercise plan. Taking whey protein is a great way to increase your daily protein intake quickly and conveniently. Protein has also been shown to help reduce hunger as whey protein makes you feel fuller for longer and boost your metabolism.

Q: What are the benefits of having whey protein?

Whey protein is one of the best-studied supplements in the world due to its high nutritional value and numerous health benefits. Here are the top five health benefits of whey protein:

1. Whey is an excellent source of quality protein
2. It promotes muscle growth

3. May enhance the body's antioxidant defences

4. Keeps you feeling fuller for longer, which may help reduce hunger

5. Whey protein can help you lose weight

Q: Which is better, whey blend or whey isolate?

It really depends on your fitness goals to choose the right one. The best way to know which one you need is to talk to your doctor or nutritionist, who can advise which one is better for you. The difference between the two types of protein is that protein blends consist of a blend of WPI and WPC. Whey isolate is a super filtrated form of WPC, making it an easily digested protein.

Q: Which protein powder is the most effective?

It really depends on your goals. There are many whey protein powders available for different fitness goals. You will find a protein powder for each fitness goal to suit the body's needs. If you want to lose weight, a high protein, low carb, and fat protein powder is the best option. If you want to put on muscle mass or gain weight, then a weight gainer protein powder is your choice.