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Whey Protein Isolate vs Whey Protein Concentrate

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Written by Sam · Filed Under Supplements  17,541 views

whey protein isolate vs whey protein concentrate

Whey Protein Isolate vs Whey Protein Concentrate

You may have already read my article on whey protein powder where I mention that without a doubt, whey protein is the supplement I recommend the most when it comes to people who are focused on weight training and/or weight loss.

Just look at the fact that recent research is being heavily conducted on whey protein to verify its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties as seen in studies on rodents. The BCAA’s (Branch Chained Amino Acids), glutamine and leucine that is contained in whey protein powder are essential in allowing our muscles to not only recover but to grow as well. In fact, if we don’t have enough protein in our diets we simply will not reach our maximal strength level.

The result is amplified when we have enough protein in our diets as the more muscle growth we have, the more calories our muscles burn. This in turn means we have a higher metabolic rate and therefore burn more fat as well.

Quite a compelling case isn’t’ it? Regardless of whether you are male or female, young or old, supplementing with whey protein is very beneficial to reaching optimal health and maintaining at that level. The bonus is that whey protein can also help you feel full and curb your cravings for the junk foods which have no nutrient value at all.

So you are now ready to stock your kitchen with whey protein, what kind do you buy? The form you see most often is whey protein concentrate as it is a little easier to produce and therefore cheaper. It contains low levels of fat and cholesterol and have some carbohydrates in the form of lactose. Generally whey concentrate is anywhere from 29-89% protein by weight.

On the other hand, whey protein isolate is processed with fat and lactose removed and therefore is 90%+ protein by weight. Unfortunately, many of the health/immune system enhancing elements are also lost in this process.

So the question then is, better to have more high quality protein or less with the immune enhancing benefits?

Well how about this answer – why not have a mixture of both? I like this the best and obviously the supplement companies have found this to be a great solution as many are offering mixtures of concentrate and isolate these days.

In fact, the top whey protein powder seller in the market – Optimum 100% Whey Protein is a great mixture of isolates and concentrate with the addition of digestive enzymes to further enhance its absorption.

Recommended Product: Optimum 100% Whey Protein
Optimum 100% Whey Protein

* Packed with Whey Protein Isolates
* Higher Pure Protein Percentage
* Fast-Acting HYDROWHEY Whey Peptides
* Provides Whey Protein Microfractions
* More than 5 grams of BCAAs
* Over 4 grams of Glutamine & Precursors
* Instantized to Mix with a Spoon

Click Here to get more info on Optimum 100% Whey Protein

 

What creative recipes have you seen that use whey protein? Please leave a comment below:

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Comments

  • christine

    A little something to enhance the taste:
    I take the chocolate flavour, and in my post-workout one (where I have a bit more freedom) I add one teaspoon of pure unsweetened cocoa powder and a little bit of fat-free milk, so now it is far more like a proper milkshake than a protein shake….

  • christine

    A little something to enhance the taste:
    I take the chocolate flavour, and in my post-workout one (where I have a bit more freedom) I add one teaspoon of pure unsweetened cocoa powder and a little bit of fat-free milk, so now it is far more like a proper milkshake than a protein shake….

  • Aaron

    I just bought this brand a few weeks ago. I like it a lot. Its nice and lean and isn’t filled with tons of sugar and fat. I like to add fruit, peanut butter, skim milk, etc to it anyway. But my question…how much protein do you need a day to build muscle. I’m never sure since I’ve read many different conflicting amounts.

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com/ Sam

      Hi Aaron, great question. It really depends on your body weight. Some of the most advanced courses I’ve taken on this topic where testing has been done on Olympic athletes shows that approximately 1.2-1.5g of protein per kg body weight is the most protein your body can use. The rest is excess calories and can put a lot of strain on your kidneys to filter. Hope that helps you!

  • Aaron

    I just bought this brand a few weeks ago. I like it a lot. Its nice and lean and isn’t filled with tons of sugar and fat. I like to add fruit, peanut butter, skim milk, etc to it anyway. But my question…how much protein do you need a day to build muscle. I’m never sure since I’ve read many different conflicting amounts.

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com Sam

      Hi Aaron, great question. It really depends on your body weight. Some of the most advanced courses I’ve taken on this topic where testing has been done on Olympic athletes shows that approximately 1.2-1.5g of protein per kg body weight is the most protein your body can use. The rest is excess calories and can put a lot of strain on your kidneys to filter. Hope that helps you!

  • Kevin

    Hey, Sam I am currently taking Optimum 100% Whey Protein. How many servings should i take a day? I work out on alternate days 3 days a week and rest on weekends. Should i take protein on my off days too? When are the best times to take whey protein to maximise its effect? Thanks. Sorry for that horde of questions

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com/ Sam

      Hi Kevin, one serving a day should be pretty good in your case as long as you are having at least 3 other meals. Unless you start training more often I wouldn’t recommend taking protein on your days off. I should note that you may be looking to increase your weight though and in that case extra protein is a great idea.

  • Kevin

    Hey, Sam I am currently taking Optimum 100% Whey Protein. How many servings should i take a day? I work out on alternate days 3 days a week and rest on weekends. Should i take protein on my off days too? When are the best times to take whey protein to maximise its effect? Thanks. Sorry for that horde of questions

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com Sam

      Hi Kevin, one serving a day should be pretty good in your case as long as you are having at least 3 other meals. Unless you start training more often I wouldn’t recommend taking protein on your days off. I should note that you may be looking to increase your weight though and in that case extra protein is a great idea.

  • Declan

    I’ve just started a fairly high-intensity workout and i am wondering which time is best to use a protein supplement? Before or after a workout?

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com/ Sam

      If you’re picking one time, it’s best to have protein right after your workout when your muscles are wanting amino acids to help with muscle recovery and growth.

  • Declan

    I’ve just started a fairly high-intensity workout and i am wondering which time is best to use a protein supplement? Before or after a workout?

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com Sam

      If you’re picking one time, it’s best to have protein right after your workout when your muscles are wanting amino acids to help with muscle recovery and growth.

  • Belinda

    What about Weight Loss without Weight Training to get large muscles, but don’t want to lose muscle tone- Light Exercise, etc. Will ANY of these help with weight Loss? A Supplement or a Meal Replacement?

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com/ Sam

      I’ll be honest with you, it sounds like you are trying to find an easy way out, but that is there no magic pill or supplement to do the work for you. The solution for long term weight loss is to exercise at least moderately and eat healthy smaller meals 5-6 times a day.

      You can try whey protein and green tea to help you but these are only supplemental to your other efforts. Focus on how good you feel after exercising and eating healthy and you will have ROCK any struggle you have had in the past.

      Take the 5 day course to quick weight loss to help you put this all in place.

  • Belinda

    What about Weight Loss without Weight Training to get large muscles, but don’t want to lose muscle tone- Light Exercise, etc. Will ANY of these help with weight Loss? A Supplement or a Meal Replacement?

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com Sam

      I’ll be honest with you, it sounds like you are trying to find an easy way out, but that is there no magic pill or supplement to do the work for you. The solution for long term weight loss is to exercise at least moderately and eat healthy smaller meals 5-6 times a day.

      You can try whey protein and green tea to help you but these are only supplemental to your other efforts. Focus on how good you feel after exercising and eating healthy and you will have ROCK any struggle you have had in the past.

      Take the 5 day course to quick weight loss to help you put this all in place.

  • Peter

    I usually practice soccer twice a week and go to the gym a couple of times a week as well. I’m fairly thin, but my goal to the summer is to have lager muscles (chest and arms especially), but at the same time loose some fat in order to get that 6-pack… Should I use some kind of protein-shakes or do they make it harder to loose that extra fat.?

  • Peter

    I usually practice soccer twice a week and go to the gym a couple of times a week as well. I’m fairly thin, but my goal to the summer is to have lager muscles (chest and arms especially), but at the same time loose some fat in order to get that 6-pack… Should I use some kind of protein-shakes or do they make it harder to loose that extra fat.?

  • Mylene

    Hello Sam,

    I quit smoking 6 weeks ago and am gaining a ton of weight really fast (3-4 lbs per week). I don’t eat junk food, or restaurant food and exercise 3-5 times per week both strenght and cardio. I just started yesterday a protein diet to help stop the weight gain and try to start loosing. I have increased my workouts to 4-6 times per week both strenght and cardio. any supplements I should take to help boost my weight loss? any help would be greatly appreciate…I don’t want to start smoking again, but haven’t had weight issues in over 10 years..I’m really discouraged by it. thanks

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com/ Sam

      Hi Mylene have you tried high intensity interval training? Incorporate that into your cardio workouts and make sure you sign up to the 5 day course to quick weight loss where I also talk about supplements. I am also going to be launching a new supplement review section soon so stay tuned for that.

  • Mylene

    Hello Sam,

    I quit smoking 6 weeks ago and am gaining a ton of weight really fast (3-4 lbs per week). I don’t eat junk food, or restaurant food and exercise 3-5 times per week both strenght and cardio. I just started yesterday a protein diet to help stop the weight gain and try to start loosing. I have increased my workouts to 4-6 times per week both strenght and cardio. any supplements I should take to help boost my weight loss? any help would be greatly appreciate…I don’t want to start smoking again, but haven’t had weight issues in over 10 years..I’m really discouraged by it. thanks

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com Sam

      Hi Mylene have you tried high intensity interval training? Incorporate that into your cardio workouts and make sure you sign up to the 5 day course to quick weight loss where I also talk about supplements. I am also going to be launching a new supplement review section soon so stay tuned for that.

  • Milan

    I mostly need to build my fat muscles in my whole body,but usually im a skinny guy.I m usually busy at work so sometimes i can’t get my meals properly.so i’ve tried the supplements(power shake and Massxxx) but i can’t see any improvement since i’ve been using those supplments.i go to the gym more than three days a week.so could u pls tell me what should i do to build my fat muscles and what is the best supplement should i need to take.

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com Sam

      Hi Milan, sorry I’m not sure what you mean by fat muscles? If you’re looking to gain muscle weight then you need to focus on doing heavy weights and low reps. Also take a look at my article on best muscle building supplements.

  • Milan

    I mostly need to build my fat muscles in my whole body,but usually im a skinny guy.I m usually busy at work so sometimes i can’t get my meals properly.so i’ve tried the supplements(power shake and Massxxx) but i can’t see any improvement since i’ve been using those supplments.i go to the gym more than three days a week.so could u pls tell me what should i do to build my fat muscles and what is the best supplement should i need to take.

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com/ Sam

      Hi Milan, sorry I’m not sure what you mean by fat muscles? If you’re looking to gain muscle weight then you need to focus on doing heavy weights and low reps. Also take a look at my article on best muscle building supplements.

  • Melinda

    Hey Sam,

    I want to gain about 3-5 in weight. I currently weight 118 and I am looking to gain 3-5 in lean muscle. I want to tone my body and get rid of my little pudge I have going on. I plan to workout 3 days a week using the Begginers Shed Fat guide for Women that you created. I am a person that works out in sperts because I get bored or money issues. So my goal this year is to be consistent with working out.
    My question is, will the protein powder help me with leaning/defining my muscles? Love you site. Thanks!

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com/ Sam

      Hi Melinda, yes definitely, protein powder is great for helping with leaning out if you are restricting your diet from other junk and processed food. It keeps you full in between meals and prevents over-indulgence of foods that are bad for you so definitely give it a go and see how your body responds to it. It may take a few weeks for your body to adapt to the digestion so start with a smaller amount and build up. Keep us posted on your results. Thanks for the great feedback! :)

  • Melinda

    Hey Sam,

    I want to gain about 3-5 in weight. I currently weight 118 and I am looking to gain 3-5 in lean muscle. I want to tone my body and get rid of my little pudge I have going on. I plan to workout 3 days a week using the Begginers Shed Fat guide for Women that you created. I am a person that works out in sperts because I get bored or money issues. So my goal this year is to be consistent with working out.
    My question is, will the protein powder help me with leaning/defining my muscles? Love you site. Thanks!

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com Sam

      Hi Melinda, yes definitely, protein powder is great for helping with leaning out if you are restricting your diet from other junk and processed food. It keeps you full in between meals and prevents over-indulgence of foods that are bad for you so definitely give it a go and see how your body responds to it. It may take a few weeks for your body to adapt to the digestion so start with a smaller amount and build up. Keep us posted on your results. Thanks for the great feedback! :)

  • Arif

    I actually have a question brother Sam,

    I’m kind of new taking whey protein isolate. I bought a case of Natures Best Isopure whey protein isolate, zero carb. It has 40 grams of whey protein isolate per serving which is the entire bottle.

    I know now that taking this supplement in the morning is vital, as I also train five days a week, 3 lift days with cardio, and 2 or three days with full cardio. But I need to know how much protein to take in the morning. I don’t want to take most of my daily needs in one serving.

    Also, I’m still trying to lose fat, especially some stubborn belly fat, which I am most definitely eating right for. I know it’s hard as hell for men to lose belly fat. I have switched to a split routine with my lifting, day 1 chest shoulders and tri, day 2-legs, day 3 back and biceps, and I switched it up week to week, but should I switch totally ack to a circuit routine to burn more calories? I’m trying to get stronger too as I’m preparing to join the air force.

    Hope to hear from you soon, I just started your treadmill HIIT routine, love it, could you recommend more?

    thanks,
    Arif

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com/ Sam

      Hi Aris, most research indicates that our body can’t absorb more than 30 grams of protein in one sitting so try and split up your shakes to 2 or 3 times a day, this should also help keep your metabolism high and curb cravings for junk foods. Try focusing on building strength for 4 weeks then you can switch to 4 weeks of circuit training and toning up, that’s what most fitness competitors do. Will definitely post more cardio workouts for sure, stay tuned!

  • Arif

    I actually have a question brother Sam,

    I’m kind of new taking whey protein isolate. I bought a case of Natures Best Isopure whey protein isolate, zero carb. It has 40 grams of whey protein isolate per serving which is the entire bottle.

    I know now that taking this supplement in the morning is vital, as I also train five days a week, 3 lift days with cardio, and 2 or three days with full cardio. But I need to know how much protein to take in the morning. I don’t want to take most of my daily needs in one serving.

    Also, I’m still trying to lose fat, especially some stubborn belly fat, which I am most definitely eating right for. I know it’s hard as hell for men to lose belly fat. I have switched to a split routine with my lifting, day 1 chest shoulders and tri, day 2-legs, day 3 back and biceps, and I switched it up week to week, but should I switch totally ack to a circuit routine to burn more calories? I’m trying to get stronger too as I’m preparing to join the air force.

    Hope to hear from you soon, I just started your treadmill HIIT routine, love it, could you recommend more?

    thanks,
    Arif

    • http://weightlossandtraining.com Sam

      Hi Aris, most research indicates that our body can’t absorb more than 30 grams of protein in one sitting so try and split up your shakes to 2 or 3 times a day, this should also help keep your metabolism high and curb cravings for junk foods. Try focusing on building strength for 4 weeks then you can switch to 4 weeks of circuit training and toning up, that’s what most fitness competitors do. Will definitely post more cardio workouts for sure, stay tuned!

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