Casein Vs Whey Protein
Everyone today is looking for a way to create lean muscle and a healthy physique. And the best way to get these desirable results is to enrich the body with proteins. Proteins are an inseparable part of the human diet. Although, many times we don't get enough protein from food to build the desired lean muscle. And therefore, protein supplements are in demand.
Proteins are perfect to help you strengthen your muscles, bones, and overall physique. Although, the question is what protein can help you get amazing results. Numerous types of protein supplements are available in the market with a huge assortment of their base extraction. Besides, the two types of proteins have been popular over a huge stretch of time i.e. Casein and Whey.
The underlying guide explores the differences between Casein Protein and Whey Protein, their relative health benefits, and what is the best one for you. The underlying subheads will discuss the factors that can differentiate both proteins from each other.
Source of Casein and Whey Protein
Casein and Whey protein both are derived from cow's milk. Cow's milk comprises 80% Casein protein and 20% Whey protein. Both the proteins are of high quality and are rich in healthy amino acid contents. These amino acids play a significant role in the human body as there are not produced in the body. Both the proteins are byproducts of cheese production.
During the cheese-making process, special acids and enzymes are added to the milk. These enzymes perform a specific chemical reaction resulting in the separation of the hard and soft parts of the milk. The hard part is the Casein milk which is separated in the solid form while the liquid part is Whey protein.
The hard part is separated from the liquid manually which is Casein protein and the liquid part is washed, dried, and converted into a powdered form called Whey protein.
Absorption of Casein and Whey Protein in Human Body
One of the most crucial factors that differentiate Casein protein and Whey protein is their rate of absorption. The body breaks down proteins into their respective amino acids which are then absorbed by the body. The absorption of these amino acids is not the same in the case of Casein and Whey protein.
Casein when reacts with acids forms a curd-like substance in the process of formation. And thus, it starts to harden as it interacts with the digestive acids. The curry substance thus formed needs more time to break down into amino acids and get absorbed in the body. It takes around four to five hours for Casein protein to get absorbed.
Whey protein on the other hand breaks down easily and thus is absorbed faster. It takes around one to two hours to get absorbed. And hence, whey protein is perfect for muscle repair and the body-building process. And thus can be taken just before workouts. While Casein protein is ideal to consume before fasting.
Amino acids content of Casein and Whey protein
Both the proteins contain a large number of amino acids. Whey protein contains branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. While Casein protein contains amino acids, histidine, methionine, and phenylalanine. All these animal acids play a crucial role in muscle building, although leucine triggers the process of muscle building.
And this is where Whey protein leads the charts. Higher leucine content in Whey protein stimulates muscle protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is the process to trigger muscle growth. When Whey protein is consumed with tandem and workouts, it stimulates the muscle-building process more compared to Casein protein.
Beneficial Compounds in Casein and Whey protein
The bioactive peptides have numerous benefits. These peptides help strengthen your immune system and also support your digestive system. Besides, a few peptides are effective in improving heart health and blood pressure levels. The peptides in Casein protein bind and carry minerals across the body and improve their digestion. Further, its slow absorption makes it a meal replacement supplement. Also, Casein protein has muscle and tissue repair benefits.
Whey protein on the other hand contains immunoglobulins which strengthen your immune system. Besides, these are found effective in delivering antioxidant effects and also prevent the growth of tumors. And thus, it is effective in preventing oxidative cell damage. Immunoglobulins also help in the transport and absorption of nutrients which further helps in triggering the muscle growth process in less time.
Functions of Proteins in your diet
Casein and Whey protein have a lot of benefits and so do other wide range of proteins. Here is a quick list of all the benefits that proteins deliver to your health and body.
Protein work as different compounds that help carry out different body functions. These roles of the proteins are
- Proteins as Enzymes: Proteins carry out the different chemical reactions in the body and work as enzymes.
- Protein as Antibodies: The role of antibodies is to prevent the body from the damage caused by the foreign virus, bacteria, and their respective infection. Proteins help in fighting infections.
- Proteins as Messengers: Many proteins in our body are hormones that work as messengers and help in cell signaling throughout the body.
- Proteins provide support: Proteins act as a backbone for the structure of bones, skins, and tendons. These prevent the deformation and aid in better support to the body.
- Proteins for transport and storage: Proteins help in carrying different enzymes, hormones, and minerals across the body.
Proteins also help in numerous other body functions which can be stated in the pointers below:
- Support Fat Loss: Proteins help in decreasing your appetite and thus aid you with excess strength to stay put by cutting your diet. It helps increase metabolism which helps in fat loss.
- Regulate Blood sugar: Carbs can affect the normal blood sugar levels. Proteins when consumed in place of carbs help in regulating healthy blood sugar levels.
- Control Blood Pressure: Proteins helps in regulating the blood pressure and helps it stay in control preventing the risks of cardiovascular issues.