Bodybuilders have a lot of confusion in their minds when it comes to Whey Protein is concerned and they always wonder what is the difference between whey protein concentrate and isolate. They just cannot decide whether to go for the concentrate variety or the isolate one. Though both varieties are equally good, we decided to explain things a bit more elaborately.
What is Whey and How is it Made?
First, clear your mind on the process, which will help you understand better.
Whey naturally appears in two cases:
- Whey you make Yoghurt (Dahi), you see some liquid floating on top of the set yoghurt. This liquid is the Whey.
- When milk curdles, or gets sour, we see two distinct sections in it. One is the solid part, and the other is liquid part and this liquid part is our Whey.
Though we see, the white part separated leaving the liquid clear; still it contains some protein, fat, carbohydrates, lactose and water. It needs some careful filtering to remove excess fat, carbohydrates and lactose and other nutrients from the mix. This filtered undergoes through another filtration and the resultant product is roughly 80 per cent protein. This is called the Whey Protein Concentrate.
Thanks to some expensive separation processes, this concentrate is further subjected to complicated routines, and it removes whatever miniscule traces of lactose, carbohydrates and fat and now we get something, which has around 90 per cent protein. This is the Whey Protein Isolate. This one has only protein and nothing else.
This liquid is dried and what we get is the powdered version, which we get as bottles of whey protein isolate powder.
Why Two Varieties of Whey Protein
Normal people who have no problems drinking milk can and should prefer whey protein concentrate. However, if for some reason you have allergy, it is very safe to consume the whey protein isolate. Though the protein is derived from milk, yet most find it non-allergic and can consume safely.
The Big Question: Which one is better, Concentrate or Isolate and Why?
Some people prefer to go with the expensive variety, but it has no merits.
Many would think that the isolate, since it is pure protein is the way to go, but there are some negatives associated with it. Go for the isolate, only if you are lactose intolerant and not otherwise.
Nature has created milk, with additional nutrients for some reason. They have their own beneficial properties attached. The inherent Fat, Carbohydrates and Lactose are essential and all do their own good work especially when bound in a combo called milk.
The essential qualities of separated nutrients:
Fat: Provides lubrication and also some energy when carbohydrates are depleted
Carbohydrates: Provide the fuel your body needs when you do any work
Lactose: Provides mild laxative properties, helping you to clear your bowels
Plus points for having Whey Protein Concentrate:
When analyzing both these varieties of whey protein, the concentrate variety has more pluses than minuses. Let us see the plus points.
- You just consumed the recommended scoops of whey isolate and you expect not to get hungry soon. The protein in the isolate variety is digested quickly and your tummy soon signals for more food. This is a huge negative point for the isolate variety. The concentrate, on the other hand has all the nutrients not found in the isolate and these help to stay full for much longer. Here, the concentrate wins easily.
- The lactose, available in the concentrate has a different absorption speed known as bioavailability. Lactose takes time to digest and this quality helps you to stay fuller for long. Again, the concentrate, which has lactose, wins comfortably.
- The Fat and Carbohydrates provide some energy and the former also helps you stay a bit fuller and even with comparatively less amount of protein, the concentrate stays ahead of the isolate.
- The concentrate is available at much less price than its counterpart is, the isolate. Unless you have a fetish for high-priced nutrition, there is no reason why you would want to spend extra.
Recommended: 100% Effective Whey Protein Concentrate Powders
It should be clear which one is the clear favourite. However, there exist three reasons, which show that the isolate variety can be useful:
- Your nutrition consultant has advised you to go to the isolate variety. In that case you have no choice other than to stick to it.
- The lactose intolerant may find the concentrate variety lead to bloating of your tummy. This will show up within few minutes of having your protein shake, and
- You aim to increase your muscle size and indulging in intense physical activity you definitely need whey protein isolate after your workouts. The protein isolate will quickly digest and make it easier for the body to break and use immediately.
Conclusion
Some people can digest milk whereas others are good at digesting Yoghurt. We cannot change our bodies and so it helps to have two varieties of whey protein. Depending on whether you are allergic to lactose or not, you can choose from whey protein concentrate or whey protein isolate.
