Protein is a macronutrient essential for many physiological process in the body, including building lean muscle, supporting tissue and organ development and function, immune system support and supporting hair, skin and nail health. Whey protein is the most popular type of protein powders and can be a great source to boost the overall protein intake in your diet. Whey protein powders are convenient and can be taken at any time of the day, including before and after workouts, to get a fast-absorbing protein boost.

What is Whey Protein?
Whey protein is one of two protein sources that comes from milk or dairy-based proteins. It is a combination of protein, amino acids, minerals, and lactose. This protein is separate from the curds and is skimmed off the top then dried and manufactured into a powdered form that can be added to shakes, smoothies or other recipes.

What is the Difference Between Whey Concentrate, Whey Isolate and Whey Protein Hydrolysate?
– Whey Protein Concentrate: contain 70-80 percent protein, with low amounts of lactose and fat (but not as low as an isolate). Many people think whey protein concentrate is inherently inferior to isolate, but a well-made whey concentrate may in fact be a better choice than a whey protein isolate, depending on your goals. Though whey protein concentrates will contain less protein on a gram-for-gram basis than an isolate, a high-quality concentrate contains more of the other helpful compounds found in milk.
– Whey Protein Isolate: Whey protein isolate is more heavily processed and has almost all fat and lactose removed, boosting its protein concentration to 90-95 percent protein. Some people who have trouble with milk do better with whey isolate than concentrate.
– Whey Protein Hydrolysate: Hydrolyzed whey is often referred to as “pre-digested,” because it has already undergone partial breakdown. This reduces digestion time compared to the other two forms of protein. Both whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate can be made into whey protein hydrolysate, so its protein content can vary.

Why and How to Take Whey Protein
Whey protein supports lean muscle mass and muscle recovery plus is one of the most easily digested forms of protein. Fast-acting whey protein is commonly taken in 25-30-gram dosages, either 1-2 hours before your workout or immediately post-workout. No, you don’t have to slug back a shake within a 30-45-minute “anabolic window” after a workout to get the health benefits. Anytime within a couple of hours is probably just fine. But, if the immediate post-workout ritual of having a shake helps you remember to have one, do it!

Whey protein powders are versatile and can be mixed in a shaker cup with water, milk of your favorite beverage. You can add in additional supplements like Greens powders for a nutrient-packed shake in the morning or between meals.

Whey is a versatile nutritional power tool. It makes a great appetite-curbing snack between meals, or it can be added it to your breakfast oatmeal or smoothie. You can even bake with it. Bodybuilding.com has thousands of recipes to transform your whey protein powder into delicious healthy treats.

Bodybuilding.com offers a large selection of Whey Protein, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Blends and Hydrolyzed Whey Protein powders from top brands like Signature Series, Optimum Nutrition, Dymatize, BSN, Isopure, Animal, MuscleTech, EVLUTION Nutrition, Rule1, NutraBio and more. You can find lactose-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and organic whey protein powders to fit your diet and lifestyle. Shop our whey protein online to start supporting your wellness and fitness goals today.