A double scoop of whey protein is a fast and effective way to deliver 50 grams of amino-complete, fast-digesting protein to the muscles of the body following a workout, or anytime a nitrogen-negative balance is near.  Whey is often considered the perfect bodybuilding food because it’s fast, neat, relatively cheap, and very good for replenishing the muscles.  However, whey also has some other health benefits, which are beginning to come to light.  Check them out!

Fighting cancer

Studies with rats have shown that rats fed whey protein then exposed to carcinogens developed cancer less frequently than rats not fed whey protein.  In humans with cancer, whey is often given to patients as it has been shown to help tumor regression.  It’s believed that whey protein drains cancer cells of the glutathione (GSH) agent, which make them more vulnerable to cancer treatment.  This is still not widely recognized in the medical community, but that may come with time. 

Fighting high cholesterol

Most protein sources raise LDL (the bad cholesterol) levels in the body.  Whey protein, on the other hand, actually helps to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the body.  Animal-based proteins help cause the formation of clots in the arteries.  Whey isn’t an actual animal protein, so it does not exhibit this characteristic.  Casein protein doesn’t have the same effect – only whey. 

Assisting with Bone Growth
Whey protein concentrates have been shown to play a key role in bone growth. Collagen (bone protein) production is increased and hydroxyproline levels in bone cells improve.  Bones benefit from the consumption of whey protein.  The effects have thus only been tested on rats, and its unknown if whey helps with human bone development later in life, when osteoporosis becomes an issue for many.

The substitute effect
Another more common sense, less scientific point, is that when we consume whey protein, we are not ingesting other protein sources, which may have known, or unknown negative side effects.  Bodybuilders who consume three servings of whey per day will consume three less servings of chicken or beef each day.  When you factor in the negative effects of these fatty, hormonized meats, you begin to realize the net difference in negative toxins entering the body due to the substitute effect.