Whey Protein Concentrate

Being lactose intolerant myself I do not drink milk. However many people were looking for a higher percentage of protein in my food bar so I read up on the health benefits and decided to include whey protein concentrate. Before we go into the properties of whey protein concentrate, here are the definitions of some terms used with which you may not be familiar.

Lactoferrin - an iron-binding protein found in numerous bodily fluids, such as breast milk, tears, mucus, blood and saliva. High concentrations of Lactoferrin are found in human breast milk and it is produced commercially from cow’s milk, with much higher levels found in human milk. Lactoferrin concentrations are highest in the colostrum that is passed to the newborn infant. Lactoferrin serves as a protective protein that helps to strengthen the immune system of the infant. Lactoferrin has a very high affinity for iron and binds quickly with it in the body. Most of the biological activities of Lactoferrin are related to this activity. From http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/health/reference/20082008/lactoferrin/index.html

Highly useful in the treatment of skin imperfections and acne-prone skin.

Lactoferrin has antibiotic, antioxidant, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Immunoglobulin - a class of proteins produced in lymph tissue in vertebrates. They play an essential role in the body’s immune system. They respond to invasion by foreign substances, such as bacteria, by attaching to them and assist in destroying them.

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When processed correctly (to retain whole protein concentrate and at low temperatures to preserve immune factors), whey supplies a biologically superior protein with natural immune factors, including lactoferrin and immunoglobulins. Milk-derived whey protein has been shown to:

• boost immune function
• improve liver function
• bind and safely remove heavy metals
• speed wound healing
• aid muscle growth (body builders have long known about the muscle-building benefits of whey)
• promote healing of bones, skin, and muscle
• heal cartilage and strengthen joints, tendons and cardiac muscle

In cancer medicine it has been found that whey offers “considerable protection to the host” over that of other types of protein including soy, especially during chemotherapy and radiation. Even at low concentrations, whey inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. Whey also protects cellular glutathione (a body-produced antioxidant) in normal cells during radiation. This effect is not seen with other proteins.

Because most of the milk-sugar portion is removed, whey is suitable for people who are lactose intolerant.

Data from http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/healthbeatV8I4.htm

Even if you are not receiving radiation treatment it is interesting to note that mice and hamsters fed whey protein concentrate live 30-60% longer than others fed standard diets or diets containing other protein sources. This may be due to the increased blood levels of glutathione that result from ingesting whey protein.

According to the study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition:
"Whey protein stimulates postprandial muscle protein accretion more effectively than do casein and casein hydrolysate in older men. This effect is attributed to a combination of whey's faster digestion and absorption kinetics and higher leucine content."

Sources: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition May 2011; 93(5): 997-1005

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Dr Joseph Mercola sells what he calls Miracle Whey®. He extolls the virtues of whey as a protein source:

• Supports your immune health
• Boosts your energy
• Supports your joint and muscle health
• Supports your beneficial gut bacteria
• Promotes your muscle strength, endurance and recovery
• Protects all your tissues’ cells via its antioxidant properties
• Provides critical amino acids and proteins for overall optimal health
• Supports your body’s optimal metabolic rate and fat burning level

Data from http://proteinpowder.mercola.com/Miracle-Whey-Protein.html

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My Whey Protein Concentrate

The whey protein concentrate we use is sourced from within Australia (Tasmania, to be exact) from John at MyoPure. You can purchase it from him at $25 a kilo at this page: http://www.myopure.com.au/whey-protein-concentrate.html If you are ordering a kilo of my Nutrition Booster Bars I can do you a special and add a kilo of whey protein concentrate to your order for an additional $20.

MyoPure’s whey protein concentrate has these characteristics.

• No artificial flavourings
• No artificial colourings
• Low fat level < 8%
• Low lactose level < 5%
• High levels of undenatured protein
• High levels of BCAA 22.4%
• Rich in serum albumin, typically 6%
• Lactoferrin typically 2%

I believe it is illegal in Australia and New Zealand to feed hormones to chickens and cattle so this should be hormone free.

As there are no grain feed lots in Tasmania I believe it is made from milk from grass fed cows.

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Whey Protein Concentrate is normally used as an ingredient in the following Healthelicious products:

• peak performance bar
• bug out bar
• NutriBlast® greens+ nutrition powder

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