What is the Best Protein to Consume Flavored Whey Or Raw Whey ?

hey protein is becoming quite popular these days. Especially if you are an athlete or into bodybuilding. What is this whey protein? Whey is the watery portion of milk that separates from curd while making cheese. The protein present in this whey is called whey protein. It is considered a complete protein because it contains all the 9 essential amino acids and is low in lactose content. It is the most commonly used supplement along with resistance exercises to aid the growth of lean muscle mass. Most athletes consume whey to increase strength and muscle mass. Taking whey also helps to improve running and recovery from exercise in untrained adults. It reduces body fat, thus helping in weight loss. It also helps in lowering cholesterol levels. A few studies have also stressed the importance of whey in the treatment of cancer. It can also improve the immune response in children suffering from asthma. Whey is known to have been effective in reducing blood pressure in patients suffering from hypertension, hence lowering the risk of a stroke or heart disease. It is also used to decrease weight loss in people with HIV. Whey protein is mostly safe for children as well as adults when consumed in the appropriate quantity. Higher doses can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, bloating, increased bowel movements, cramps, and tiredness. It is also better to avoid whey if one is allergic to cow's milk.

There are many types of whey protein depending on the way they have been processed.

Concentrate – it contains about 70-80% of protein along with some lactose and fat. It has the best flavor.

Isolate – contains 90% or even higher of protein. It contains less of lactose and fat but lacks a lot of beneficial nutrients that are found in the concentrated form.

Hydrolysate – it is also known as hydrolyzed whey. It has been pre-digested so that it gets absorbed easily. It causes a spike in the insulin levels by 28-43% when compared to isolate.

Amongst the above-given forms, whey protein concentrate is the most popular and preferred, not only because it has a higher content of protein but also because of its flavor due to the lactose and fat present in it.

The raw whey is the most widely used supplement because it is raw which means it is very much natural. But how raw is raw whey that you consume?? Basically, raw whey is a six-step processed product where the milk is pasteurized, curdled, ultra-filtered, and spray dried to get the protein powder which is sold in the market at as whey. So, it is just like any other whey minus the flavors and enzymes. Hence it does not make the whey raw just by avoiding the digestive enzymes, sweeteners, or flavors. This raw whey is found in milk in its liquid form without processing and consumption of this way is not beneficial as it contains only about 5-7gms of protein plus other non-essential components such as lactose and fat. Then why do people prefer raw whey over whey protein of flavored whey? It is because of the increasing demand for so-called organic or natural products. When people hear the word raw, they easily connect it to being natural and go for it. It has no flavors or enzymes which make it easy to consume. And to top it all, it is tasteless. So, it is advisable to make a wise choice and go for the best quality of whey protein which contains all the components which are needed by the body.

Whey protein usually doesn't taste good on its own, which is why flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are added to make it tastier and more popular. Taking whey protein is the most convenient way to add protein to your diet, especially if you are looking at building muscles. This flavored powder can be added to shakes, smoothies, or energy bars to enhance the taste. So, the choice is simple. If you are worried about artificial sweeteners or any other added ingredients in your whey protein, it is advisable to consume raw whey protein or the unflavored protein powder. If you feel that you need more taste in your smoothies or shakes, then add some flavored whey protein powder to make it tastier. The components in both raw whey protein powder and flavored whey protein powder are almost the same. It is just the difference in flavors or artificial sweeteners and preservatives that sets them apart.

There is also a much better and healthier way to make the unflavored whey tastier. Just add natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave and it will greatly improve the taste of your protein shake. You can even add dates or bananas for that extra taste and added energy. A few other ways in which you can make your unflavored protein powder interesting are, by adding it to oatmeal or pancakes. Mix them with mashed potatoes or even make your dessert interesting by adding them to your waffles and making them a hearty meal. You can also add protein powder to your coffee if you skip breakfast or just swirl it into your yogurt. 

There is a wide range of whey protein powders which are quite famous. There is the naturally flavored variety and also the one with natural sweeteners under the non-flavored range. The flavored whey protein comes in a wide range of selection like double chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, cookie and cream, strawberry, and so on. The best time to consume whey protein would be after a workout if your goal is to build muscles because whey is one of the fastest digesting protein sources available. It is also safe for everyday consumption as there are not probable side effects when it is taken in the right dosage. Since protein is a very important nutrient required by the body to build muscles and tissues, indulge in whey without any guilt, be it flavored or unflavored. Because both are equally safe and healthy.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263371

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whey-protein-101