By Dr. Lawrence Sosna
Know Your Whey
Learn more about whey protein
The word “protein” means “first substance.” Our first protein food was mother’s milk. Milk is the only food that optimally sustains human life. In fact, the root word for nutrition means “to suckle.” As a species, we would not have survived if not for the nutrition and protection mother’s milk offers.
In the 5th century BC, Hippocrates (known as the father of medicine) stated that the body has an inner adaptive or healing power. To strengthen this healing power, he prescribed liquid native whey derived from raw milk to his patients. This 2,500 year-old prescription provided full biological activity and numerous health benefits.
Whey is one of the two protein groups found in milk. When whole milk is allowed to separate whey is the clear liquid portion. It is a complex combination of a wide range of proteins. The other protein group is casein from which curds form. Whey is a complete protein food. In its non-denatured form it contains powerful immune system modulating and cell regenerative components. Presently, commercial methods of processing whey do not maintain these fragile components or the biological activity found in the milk. Commercial whey undergoes high heat processing and drastic acidification that damages them. The quality and effectiveness of whey is dependent upon a production method that maintains the protein components in their original form as nature provided.
Dairy protein promotes weight loss
Healthy metabolism relies on the regular intake of complete protein. Our bodies cycle proteins into amino acids constantly. Non-denatured whey protein has the highest biological value of any protein. It is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids in the correct balance. A number of studies have suggested that high-protein diets may help people shed weight more easily. Simply speaking, eating protein keeps you feeling full longer which may reduce overeating or snacking on less healthy foods. In fact, a 2008 study published in Nutrition & Dietetics found that overweight men and women burned more post-meal fat when they ate a high-protein breakfast and lunch than when they had lower-protein meals.
Disease prevention
Native whey is excellent for building and maintaining a strong immune system.
It is an excellent source of an amino acid called cysteine which helps to ensure that the body produces enough glutathione. Glutathione(GSH) is the body’s master antioxidant and immune booster and it also detoxifies carcinogens. It is responsible for numerous defense and repair functions and is an effective anti-aging substance. Glutathione is manufactured inside the cell from amino acids glycine, glutamate and cysteine, which is deficient in modern diets. To increase glutathione you must ingest these “precursor” amino acids. The manufacture of glutathione inside your cells is predominantly limited by the amount of cysteine that you ingest.
High serum (blood) levels of cysteine are linked to a lower risk of breast cancer, according to a presentation at the 94th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. Dr. John Lee’s book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer is required reading for all women wanting to learn more about the critical role of glutathione in preventing breast cancer.
In addition to its immune modulating properties, glutathione may also improve cardiovascular health. A study done at Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany found that low levels of glutathione predict the incidence of a heart attack. The research also suggested that increasing glutathione may lower the risk of cardiovascular problems.
High quality non-denatured native whey provides optimal nutritional and health support. When shopping for whey, look for products derived from cows that graze year-round on pesticide-free, chemical-free, natural grass pastures. Avoid products that use milking cows fed grain or those subjected to growth hormone treatment (rBGH, rBST), chemicals, antibiotics and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Choose products that undergo minimal processing to maintain the full range of the fragile components found in fresh raw milk.
You may have already known that whey protein helps to manage hunger, build lean muscle and sustain optimum energy levels. But you may not have known that it promotes heart health and detoxification of the body’s carcinogens. It’s a healthy easily digested snack in smoothies or shakes for adults and children in addition to athletes looking for the perfect workout nutrition.
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Dr. Lawrence Sosna
Dr. Lawrence Sosna is a naturopathic doctor and has a PhD in Myology with an emphasis in orthomolecular biochemistry. He practises integrative medicine with a focus on cellular regeneration, anti-aging and bio-identical comprehensive hormone replacement therapy.
