Whey: Top 10 Benefits

TOP 10 REASONS WHY ADDING WHEY TO YOUR DIET IS VERY MUCH DESIRABLE

1.  Whey Supports your Immune System

Whey proteins contain high levels of the amino acid cysteine, which is needed to help the body produce gluthatione. Gluthathione is a powerful anti-oxidant and plays a key role in maintaining immune health. In fact, one of the first symptoms often noticed in individuals with autoimmune diseases, such as HIV is a decline in gluthathione levels. Dr. Gustavo Bounous, a pioneer in whey protein research, has conducted numerous studies to learn more about the positive effects of whey protein supplementation on individuals with various types of cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and HIV (Moreno YF, Sgarbieri VC, da Silva MN, et al. J Trop Pediatr. 2005 Jul 13). His positive results have inspired others to focus their own research on whey proteins. For example, one recent study found that whey proteins inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells (Nukumi N, Iwamori T, Naito K, Tojo H. J Reprod Dev. 2005 Jul27) while another study showed a reduction in the size of cancer tumors in patients consuming whey protein (Xu M, Suguira Y, Nagaoka S, Kanamanu Y. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2005 Jun; 69(6):1189-92) and can induce cell death of human prostate cancer cells (Kent, Harper, and Bomse; Toxicology In Vitro, February 2003, 17(1):27-33).

2.  Whey Promotes Infant Growth, Development And Survival

a. Whey proteins contain alpha-lactalbumin, which is the main component in human breast milk, is found to reduce risk of atopic disease (allergies) in infants (Hays T, Wood RA. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2005 Sep; 159(9):810-6).

b. Lactoferrin in whey improves the intestinal flora of premature infants and patients with damaged intestinal mucous by suppressing the growth of pathogenic bacteria while promoting the multiplication of nonpathogenic Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (Artym J, Zimecki M. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2005 Aug 12; 59:421-32).

c. Whey confers a high level of protection against cryptosporidiosis in newborn (Martin-Gomez S, Alvarez-Sanchez MA, Rojo-Vazquez FA. J Parasitol. 2005 Jun; 91(3):674-8). Feeding breastfed newborns with whey protein increases fecal bilirubin excretion and reduces jaundice without deleteriously affecting breastfeeding (Gourley Gr, Li Z, Kreamer BL, Kosorok MR. Pediatrics. 2005 Aug; 116(2):385-91).

d. Whey supplementation can stimulate gluthathione synthesis and decrease the occurrence of associated co-infections in children with Rapidly Progressive HIV Infection (Moreno YF, Sgarbieri VC, da Silva MN, Toro A, Vilela MM. J Trop Pediatr. 2005 Jul 13).  Whey aids in the prevention of relapse of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (van Dissel JT, de Groot N, Hensgens CM, Numan S, Kuijper Ej, Veldkamp P, van’t Wout J. J Med Microbiol. 2005 Feb; 54(Pt 2):197-205).

e. According to the Journal of Pediatrics, whey protein have been shown to help reduce the duration of crying spells in infants with colic (Lucassen PL, Assendelft WJ, Gubbels JW, et al. Pediatrics 2000; 106:1349-1354, Wessel MA, Cobb JC, Jackson EB, et al. Pediatrics 1954; 14:421-435).

3. Whey’s Benefit on Cardiovascular Health

Certain specific types of hydrolyzed whey protein isolate show promise in helping to naturally reduce blood pressure (Murray BA, Walsh DJ, FitzGerald RJ. J Biochem Biophys Methods. 2004 May 31; 59(2):127-37). Addition of whey in meals with rapidly digested and absorbed carbohydrates stimulates insulin release and reduces postprandial blood glucose excursion in type 2 diabetic subjects (Frid AH, Nilsson M, Holst JJ, Bjorck IM Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul; 82(1):69-75). Milk intake and milk products like whey lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension (Ackley S, Barrett-Conner E, Suarez L. Am J Clin Nutr 1983; 38:457-461, Appel LJ, Moore TJ, Obarzanek E, et al. N Eng J Med 1997;336:1117-1124, Svetky LE Simons-Morton D, Vollmer WM, et al. Arch Intern Med 1999;159:285-293). Supplementation of whey showed significantly higher HDLs and lower triglycerides and systolic blood pressure than did the placebo group (Kawase M, HashimotoH, Hosoda M, et al. J Dairy Sci 2000;83:255-263).

4.  Whey Enhances Physical Performance and Help Create a

More Desirable Body Mass Composition

Whey improves body mass index in individuals participating in exercise programs (Burke DG, Chilibeck PD, Davidson KS, et al. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2001;11:349-364). Men engaged in resistance training programs while supplementing with whey protein concentrates showed greater improvements in strength than men using resistance training alone (Burke DG, Chilibeck PD, Davidson KS, et al. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2001;11:349-364). Whey protein supplementation improves work capacity and also caused decrease in percent body fat (Lands LC, Grey VL, Smountas AA. J Appl Physiol 1999;87:1381-1385). While moderate exercise enhances immunity (Davis JM, Murphy EA, Brown AS, et al. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2004;286:R366-R372), intense athletic training has been shown to stress the immune system (Nieman DC. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000;32:S406-S411, Mackinnon LT. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000;32:S369-S376, Nieman DC. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1998;76:573-580). Free radical production and increased inflammatory activity are thought to contribute to impaired immune activity in over-trained athletes. In highly trained individuals muscular performance and recovery can be hindered by oxidative stress (Gohil K, Viguie C, Stanley WC, et al. J Appl Physiol 1988;64:115-119, Sastre J, Asensi M, Gasco E, et al. Am J Physiol 1992;263:R992-R995, Sen CK, Atalay M, Hanninen O. J Appl Physiol 1994;77:2177-2187). The availability of gluthathione has been shown to reduce oxidative stress (Monograph. Altern Med Rev 2001;6:601-607)

5.  Has Anti-Bacterial And Anti-Viral Properties

Whey Protein Supplementation decreases the occurrence of associated co-infections in Children with Rapidly Progressive HIV Infection (Moreno YF, Sgarbieri VC, de Silva MN, Toro A, Vilela MM, J. Trop Pediatrician, 2005 July 13).  Diverse range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Yersinia enterocolitica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Campylobacter jejuni, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Corynebacterium dipththeriae, Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium perfringens) were found to be susceptible to inhibition and inactivation by lactoferricin B in whey (Bellamy W, Takase M, Wakabayashi H, Kawase K, Tomita M, In: J Appl Bacteriol [1992 Dec] 73[6]:472-9).

6.   Contribute To A More Positive Mental Outlook And Better

Performance

The second most abundant component in whey protein is alpha-lactalbumin, which high in tryptophan.  A recent study looked at the relationship between tryptophan-rich diets and stress management.  Scientists had previously learned that stress causes the serotonin levels in the brain to decrease and this can contribute to mood disorders, such as depression and that whey protein was helpful in improving mood levels and increasing serotonin levels in the brain (Merens W, Booij L., Markus R, Zitman FG, Onkenhaut W, Van de Does AJ, Br J Nutr. 2005 Sep; 94[3]:415-22).  Consumption of whey protein improved coping ability in stress-vulnerable subjects (Markus CR, Olivier B, Panhuysen GE, Van Der Gugten J, Alles MS, Tuitan A, Westenberg HG, Fekkes D, Koppeschaar HF, de Haan EE, Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jun;71[6]:1536-44).  Whey protein-rich in alpha-lactalbumin improves cognitive performance in stress-vulnerable subjects via increased brain tryptophan and serotonin activities (Markus CR, Olivier B, de Haan EH. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Jun;75[6]:1051-6).

7.  Impact Wound Healing

People who are recovering from surgery or are trying to heal a burn or wound often require additional protein in their diet and whey protein components help promote the growth of new body tissue (Thompson JM, Brett A, Rose SJ, Hum Nutr Appl Nutr. 1986 Apr;40[2]:136-40).  Milk whey exerts a direct action on the cells of cutaneous wound repair to enhance both normal and compromised healing (Rayner TE, Cowin AJ, Robertson JG, Cooler RD, Harries RC, Regester GO, Smithers GW, Goddard C, Beiford DA, AM J Physiol Ragul Integr Comp Physiol. 2000 Jun;278[6]:R1651-60).

8.  Improve Dental Health

One of the components in whey protein, glycomacropeptide (GMP), has been shown to help reduce dental plaque and dental carries (Zimecid M, Artym J, Postepy Hig Med Dosw [Online]).2005 Jun 30;59:309-23.  GMP has also shown inhibitory activity to enamel demineralization and promotes tooth enamel remineralization (Almutis WR. J Nutr. 2004 Apr;134[4]:989S-95S).

9.  Build Stronger Bones

Studies show that protein intake along with adequate amounts of calcium is important in maintaining or minimizing bone loss in elderly men and women.  Milk whey supports is able to recover bone loss in vivo (Kruger MC, Plimmer GG, Schollum, LM, Haggarty N, Ram S, Palmano K. Br J Nutr. 2005 Aug;94[2]:244-52).  Osteoporosis, which affects over 25 million Americans, is a major health concern.  Regular exercise and adequate amounts of whey protein and calcium in the diet can make positive difference to bone health and may help to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis.  Milk whey protein, especially is basic protein fraction, contains several components capable of both formation and inhibiting bone resorption (Aoe s, Tobe Y, Yamamura J, Kawekami H, Yahiro M, Kumagawa M, Itabashi A, Takada Y. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2001 Apr;65[4]:913-8).

10.  Other Benefits from Whey

a. Whey is a natural chelating agent, able to remove toxic substances like mercury, arsenic, lead, aluminum, etc. (Marshall K. Altem Med Rev. 2004 Jun;9[2]:136-56).

b. Whey is able to improve the quality of life in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (Planas M, Alvarez J, Garcia-Peris PA, de la Cuerda C, de Lucas P, Castella M, Canseco F, Reyes L. Clin Nutr. 2005 Jun;24[3]:433-41).

c. Dairy sources of calcium-like whey markedly exert greater protective effects from obesity which are most likely to attenuate adiposity (Zemel MB, Miller SL. Nutr Rev. 2004 Apr;62[4]:125-31).

d. The lung disease of cystic fibrosis is associated with a chronic inflammatory reaction and an over abundant of oxidants, this problem can be alleviated by whey protein supplementation which is useful in maintaining optimal levels of GSH and counteract the deleterious effects of oxidative stress in the lung in cystic fibrosis (Grey V, Mohammed SR, Smountas AA, Bahlool R, Lands LC. J Cyst Fibros. 2003 Dec;2[4]:195-8).

By:

ROBIN B. NAVARRO, M.D.

Cellular & Biochemical Medicine

WELLNESS & REJUVENATION CENTER

Unit LG-20 Cityland Shaw Towers

Cor. St. Francis St. and Shaw Blvd.

Tel# (632)636-7726; 636-7727

Sunday to Tuesday: 9am-6pm

SPECIALIST GROUP HOSPITAL AND TRAUMA CENTER

Tapuac District, Dagupan City

Tel#: (075) 523-6360; 522-2254

Proofpessor would like to express her heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Robin B. Navarro for allowing the duplication, posting and sharing of this original article in the internet.  Permission was granted as per telephone conversation on February 2, 2009.

KEFIR WHEY, KEFIR DRINK AND KEFIR THICK AVAILABLE AT:

For pick-up or delivery, please call or text:

CELLULAR PHONE:  (+632) 915-9737148

eMAIL:    gotrailblazers@yahoo.com

CONTACT PERSON:  AIRENE

Kefir Whey, a probiotic, fermented raw cow's milk product

Kefir Probiotic Drink 500mL

Kefir Thick Probiotic Milk Food 400 mL

HOW TO ENJOY KEFIR AND KEFIR WHEY

KEFIR FRUIT SHAKES AND SMOOTHIES:  A Better Way To Enjoy Kefir

50% Strawberries +  50% Kefir (drink or thick or whey)  +  Honey or Stevia  or  Agave Nectar (Sweeten according to taste)

50% Mangoes +  50% Kefir (drink or thick or whey)  +  Honey or Stevia  or  Agave Nectar (Sweeten according to taste)

35%  Mangoes or Apples  +   35% Bananas  +  30%  Kefir  (drink or thick or whey)  +  Honey or Stevia  or  Agave Nectar (Sweeten according to taste)

Try Kefir Variants with other fruits such as guava, banana, kiwi, chico, pineapple, apple etc.

You may play around with the amount of fruit, kefir and sweetener.

For those who prefer a less tart taste, try adding just 30-40% kefir to your fruit blends and smoothies.

Enjoy your Kefir Probiotic shakes and smoothies!