Let’s be honest, the supplement world is plagued with more than a few scams and scammers. People are busy marketing all types of proprietary pills and supposed superfoods that you can start thinking you need to live in a supplement store in order to have access to everything you “need.” Luckily, proper nutrition and supplementation is simpler than many would have you believe. The best place to start is with a high-quality whey protein powder. Here’s how whey protein will help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

1. Increased Muscle Mass

Whey protein is the preferred protein powder among bodybuilders and strength athletes for good reason. It tends to be well tolerated by the vast majority of people and is easily utilized for muscle repair and growth. But make no mistake, you can’t just add whey protein to a lackluster diet and training schedule and expect results. There is no magic bullet. But whey protein didn’t become so popular by accident. It became popular because it works. Whey is a complete protein, meaning it contains a proper portion of the nine essential amino acids your muscles need in order to grow. As an added bonus, the industry has come a long way (pun not intended but inevitable) since the early days of chalky foul-tasting protein powders. Many of the whey protein powders on the market today are downright delicious. Be sure to get grass-fed whey protein if at all possible.

2. Reduced Stress Levels

Modern life can be beyond stressful. We have to reckon with more information today than at any other time in human history. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel stressed. Of course, exercise is a perfect stress reliever, but whey protein can also help you find your balance. A study conducted in the Netherlands concluded that participants who supplemented with whey protein reported lower stress levels and were more resilient when faced with negative situations and outcomes. Instead of reaching for a few bloating beers the next time you’re stressed out, do yourself a favor and mix up a whey protein shake to enjoy. You’ll feel better for it.

3. Enhanced Immune System Function

When people hear “whey protein,” they tend to think of weight lifting and muscles. This makes sense, because whey does indeed provide muscle building benefits. But in the past, whey was actually praised as an all-round health tonic and immune booster. Modern science has revealed exactly why the people of the past felt so good when consuming whey. It turns out that whey protein contains a high level of immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins are also known as antibodies and are produced by the immune system in response to infections and diseases. The combination of immunoglobulins found in whey protein serve to strengthen your immune system.

4. Improved Cardiovascular Health

Studies have demonstrated whey protein can help reduce blood pressure and enhance cardiovascular health. Whey also contains certain peptides that have been indicated in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing blood clots. Blood clots are often the cause of myocardial infarctions or heart attacks. Whey reduces blood pressure because of ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme and causes blood vessels to constrict. Whey protein allows blood vessels to relax and dilate, which reduces blood pressure. In addition, whey protein powder also boasts numerous heart healthy and cardiovascular system enhancing vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and a host of B-vitamins.

5. Improves Exercise Recovery

I’m not Sherlock Holmes, but since you’re reading an article on whey protein, it’s likely you perform some type of exercise. What you put into your body after a proper lifting session or any physical activity like martial arts, yoga or running is vital to your recovery and continued performance. Adding whey protein to your routine can help your body recover faster and stay injury free. When you lift weights or perform a physically taxing activity, your muscles break down. onsuming whey protein helps to fuel muscle recovery after exercise and has been shown to relieve feelings of soreness. But it isn’t only just about soothing your muscles and helping them grow back stronger. Whey protein powder also strengthens your bones and tendons by providing key vitamins and minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Conclusion

Whey protein is used by essentially every performance athlete for many good reasons. There are plenty of options available on the market, but it’s best to use a whey protein powder that is sourced from grass-fed cows. Not only is the nutritional profile of grass-fed whey protein superior, but it also takes into account the ethical considerations of how we treat animals and the planet.