Whey Proteins, as part of a healthy diet, provide a number of important benefits for your body. Whey protein is a high quality complete protein with a rich source of branched chain amino acids and essential amino acids. Over the years, research has shown whey proteins as an ideal protein choice in situations where individuals are facing specific medical challenges.
Whey Protein Shown To Help Reduce Blood Pressure
Hypertension is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a widespread concern in the United States and Canada. Even with the advancements made in drug therapy, the number deaths per year from hypertension is actually increasing in the United States. Previously, studies had found that various components in whey protein helped to reduce elevated blood pressure. A more recent study conducted at the University of Minnesota found that a specific whey protein isolate (BioZate® 1) with bioactive peptides reduced blood pressure with as little as one week of treatment. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure dropped and the positive change remained throughout the study. The complete study will be published in the Spring of 2003. Abstract published in Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy, 2002, 16 (Supplement 1):68.
Whey Protein Helps AIDS Patients Without The Usual Side Effects
Three of the major problems frequently encountered in HIV / AIDs patients are: 1) Immune deficiency; 2) Weight loss and wasting; 3) Inability to tolerate highly active anti-retroviral therapy, or HAART. A group of HIV / AIDS patients were given Immunocal® whey protein for eight consecutive weeks. They received twenty grams twice a day for four weeks, followed by ten grams twice a day for an additional four weeks. At the end of the study the HIV patients receiving the Immunocal whey protein gained weight and significantly reduced their occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects. The control patients lost weight and remained unable to tolerate the prescribed HIV retroviral therapy. Study published in the Journal of Human Virology, 2002, Jan/Feb, 5(1).
Whey Protein Shows Promise in Inhibiting HIV Infection
Researchers in the Netherlands were looking for natural proteins with anti-HIV activity. During the process they evaluated a large number of purified proteins and protein fractions from cow's milk. A report from their recent study stated that bovine lactoferrin, one of the whey protein fractions, "showed considerable inhibitory activity against HIV by targeting the entry process of the virus." Casein, the primary protein in cow's milk showed different results and was not found to significantly inhibit replication of the virus. Further studies are in progress. Study published in Antiviral Research, 2002, 55:341-355.
Alzheimer's Patients Benefit From Whey Protein
Alzheimer's disease is an age related disorder that currently affects over four million people in the United States alone. The disease puts the brain under extensive oxidative stress. Glutathione (GSH), an important anti-oxidant in the body, helps to protect against damage and other effects caused by the oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer's disease. One of the possible strategies outlined to increase GSH levels was a diet rich in whey protein. Additional studies were recommended to explore this strategy further. Study published in Drug Development Research, 2002, 56:428-437.
All of the above articles are courtesy of the Whey Protein Institute. For more information on Whey Proteins and the specfic benefits they play in your life, please visit the Whey Protein Institute at www.wheyoflife.org.