Is Whey Protein Necessary?

I always get questions about whey protein daily. Some of them are what is whey protein and you need to take it. Others have asked if it is bad for you. A lot of people assume taking whey protein will they gain weight, or they assume they need to take whey protein if they want to gain muscle. So, to answer these questions, whey protein is not going to make instantly gain muscle or make you gain weight.

What is Whey Protein?

All whey protein is, is a food source. It is a byproduct of cheese manufactured from cow’s milk. After the milk is curdled and strain, the leftover is turned into whey protein. If you are looking gain weight, mass or size, you must eat in a caloric surplus. Eating more calories than your body needs to maintain its current body weight. Whey protein is just a way to get more protein into your diet if you are not getting an adequate amount through your whole foods. Due to a lot of marketing hype, you will see a lot of misinformation on labels saying you must take whey protein in order to grow. We need to ignore these labels because this is a way for companies to make money off people who are misinformed about what whey protein is and what it does. Whey protein is a complete protein source with both essential and non-essential amino acids. It is very micronutrient dense and anybody can take it. Consuming whey protein is for convenience. Taking it is a very easy way to get 25 to 50 grams of protein in one shake (depending how many scoops you add).

Do You Have to Take Whey Protein After the Your Workout?

No, you do not. Taking whey protein after your workout is a preference. Whey protein is just an easy way for people to get their protein in. The absorption is going to be faster, however, the absorption rate is not relevant when you’re looking at the overall absorption of the protein. That is where a lot of people get confused because of the different types of protein.

The Different Types of Whey Protein

There are so many different types of whey proteins out there such as concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate. Keeping things simple and without getting into too much science behind it, because there is so much information out there, let’s briefly discuss the three types.

Whey Protein Concentrate

Whey protein concentrate is approximately 80% protein what about 5 to 6% carbs, contain lactose and has a bit more grams of fat than isolate. Whey protein concentrate is not inferior to whey protein isolate regardless of what many people think because of all the marketing.

Whey Protein Isolate

Isolate is a process concentrate containing 90% protein, generally lactose-free and contains less fat than concentrate. However, it cost a lot more money. That is how a lot of these protein companies get you. They will tell you that the Whey Protein Isolate is a lot superior to concentrate because it is it’s “absorbed” a lot faster and will into your muscles quicker, which will lead to better recovery. Again, this is all a marketing scam for you to pay extra for the isolate.

Whey Protein Hydrolysate

Hydrolysate contains almost 100% whey protein, which is rare to have a protein with no carbs and no fat at all. If you haven’t guessed by now, it will be extremely expensive, and I personally don’t think it’s worth the price, however, it’s your choice. Hydrolysate is going to be metabolized and absorbed a bit faster. If you walk into a supplement store, the people working there will try to sell it to you claim that it will be absorbed in 20 minutes right into your muscles. They will tell you that you must go with Hydrolysate because it is the best one if you’re looking to gain size and strength. Telling you these things is also their best way to make commission by selling you selling the best and most expensive product. So just be careful about who to listen to when you go shopping for whey protein.

Does the Different Types of Protein Matter?

No, not really. I personally would stress about whey protein too much. All whey protein is, is a convenient food source and an easy way to get your protein in. I don’t really see the need to spend the extra money on the way Protein Isolate when the concentrate is perfectly fine. Yes, you’re going to get a few grams of carbs with each school, maybe even 2-3 grams of fat. An isolate protein may be absorbed a little bit faster, but the overall absorption rate of the protein is going to be the same. At the end of the day, weather you pick 25 grams of whey protein from a concentrate or 25 grams of whey protein from an isolate, 25 grams is 25 grams. If you have that extra money and want to spend it on the isolate, that’s completely fine.

In Conclusion

Taking a whey protein from concentrate is completely fine. Is it necessary or a requirement? No, it is not. I would much rather consume real food with protein rather than have a protein shake. I do take protein shakes from time to time when I am lacking protein throughout my day, and I need something quick and simple. I hope that cleared of any confusion about the different types of whey protein out there. And as always, STAY SHREDDED.

Louis Ha

Bring The Shreds was founded by Louis Ha.

Louis is an online fitness coach and entrepreneur based in the Bay Area.