How Whey Protein Accelerates Fat Loss

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Whey protein supplements, consumed in a shake or mixed with foods, is a great way to decrease appetite and cut fat. Whey protein supplements are great fat-fighters because they are high in branched-chain amino acids (BCCA).

In the journal of Nutrition Research, scientists reported that whey protein can help reduce belly fat, compared to other protein sources. Whey protein also increases muscle blood flow, which lowers blood pressure.

Whey protein is a great way to boost muscle blood flow during weight training. It appears that whey protein gives a two-in-one punch- it delivers a high source of branched-chain amino acids, and it also opens blood vessels so that the amino acids get into muscles.

Whey protein modulates several hormones that are conducive to weight loss. Whey protein stimulates chemicals in the gut that turns off hunger and promotes the feeling of fullness. Whey also turns on chemical pathways in muscle that promote protein synthesis. Most people lose muscle mass as they lose weight, and whey protein prevents this.

Whey protein is not a magic bullet that causes instant weight loss. It reduces appetite, increases the feeling of fullness, and helps maintain muscle mass during dieting. It is an important and effective component of a weight loss program.

 

References:
Ballard KD, Bruno RS, Seip RL, Quann EE, Volk BM, Freidenreich DJ, Kawiecki DM, Kupchak BR, Chung MY, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS. Acute ingestion of a novel whey-derived peptide improves vascular endothelial responses in healthy individuals: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Nutr J, 2009 Jul 22;8:34.
Cribb PJUS. Whey proteins in sports nutrition. Applications monograph sports nutrition. US Dairy Exp Counc, 2005;4:1-12.
Frestedt JL, Zenk JL, Kuskowski MA, Ward LS, Bastian ED. A whey-protein supplement increases fat loss and spares lean muscle in obese subjects: a randomized human clinical study. Nutr Metab, (Lond). 2008 Mar 27;5:8.
Layman DK, Baum JI. Dietary protein impact on glycemic control during weight loss. J Nutr, 2004;134:968S-73S.