Equipped with this information, you will be able to select the best protein source suiting your needs; saving you precious time and money.
Whey
Arguably the most popular protein supplement on the market today. Whey has received favourable attention from health conscious consumers and serves as a staple in the diet of many athletes.
Where does whey come from?
Whey is a natural dairy derivative, usually a by-product of the cheese making process. Whey protein can also be sourced from fresh milk. Proteins sourced from fresh milk are considered beneficial, as they contain elements which promote a healthy immune system.
Be sure to opt for a whey product from pasture raised grass-fed cow sources, as their humane treatment will yield a superior dairy product.
As whey protein is derived from milk, those suffering from lactose intolerance may want to opt for an alternate protein source.
Amino acids
Boasting all nine essential amino acids, whey is one of the few foods to be classed as a complete protein.
Whey contains rich levels of leucine and glutamine, which have proven to be beneficial in muscle growth and recovery.
Whey is also rich in cystine, which works as an antioxidant and has been linked to improvements in skin, hair, bone and connective tissue.
Taste
Whey protein can be purchased in its ‘unflavoured’ plain form; although, this is not so popular amongst consumers as many people find the taste to be less than desirable.
To rectify this problem, protein manufacturers offer an assortment of delicious alternatives in a variety of flavours, for example vanilla and chocolate. But watch out for whey proteins containing added sugar, un-healthy sweeteners or artificial ingredients!
Health benefits
1. Enhanced protein synthesis
Dairy proteins, such as whey, provide the body with a fast and sustained delivery of amino acids due to their high quality absorption and rich leucine content. This improves the body’s ability to effectively synthesise proteins.
2. Improved muscle growth and repair
Protein synthesis plays a major role in muscle growth and muscle tissue repair; especially after periods of intense exercise.
For optimal results, it is suggested that whey be consumed before and/or after each exercise session.
3. Facilitates fat loss
Leucine aids in the preservation of lean muscle mass, glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling, all of which improves metabolic function. Meaning: you are able to burn fat, while at the same time retaining hard-earned lean muscle mass.
4. Good for the immune system (if made from fresh milk)
The native whey protein concentrate enhances the amount of glutathione so you have a higher resistance to pollution, stress and toxins. All the whey products we sell at LiveHelfi are made from fresh milk.
Ease of use
Whey can be added to most cold liquids, although the level consistency produced will vary from brand to brand, as some products may be less soluble than others.
Finding a highly soluble whey product is ideal, as it can be easily added to shaker bottles and mixed on the run. The Whey protein we sell at LiveHelfi is highly soluble.
Collagen
As a supplement, collagen is relatively new on the scene and is available in forms such as gelatin, collagen hydrolysate and collagelatin.
Each form will possess similar health benefits, but often differs in the ease and methods of use.
Where does collagen come from?
Collagen comes from animal tissue, specifically in the epidermis, bone and/or connective tissues.
If you are a vegetarian, collagen protein supplementation is not the ideal choice for you and you may want to opt for the whey protein alternative.
Amino acid content
Collagen is low in cystine, which allows for higher levels of consumption compared to that of whey proteins supplements. This is a benefit collagen holds over whey, as the extreme consumption of cystine may lead to crystallisation in the body resulting in kidney stones.
Collagen contains a high level of the amino acid glycine, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and a deterrent in necrotic cell death. Glycine also works together with proline and lysine to build up connective tissues.
Health benefits
1. Skin health
Age has an inverse relationship to the level of collagen in the body. Supplementing with collagen may aid the reproduction and repair of skin cells improving skin elasticity and fullness.
Oral consumption is considered to be more effective than topical application due to collagen’s large molecular size.
2. Gut health and digestion
The glycine and proline, found in collagen, helps to heal leaky gut syndrome by restoring mucosal layers and repairing damages to the cell wall of the gut.
3. Joint and connective tissue health
Recent studies have indicated links between collagen supplementation and the relief of joint pain, promoting healthy movement and stimulating the body’s production of joint collagen.
4. Weight loss
Collagen promotes satiety, which aids in weight loss.
Gelatin powder
Source
When animal tissues and bones are slowly cooked, collagen is converted into a substance known as gelatin. This is then reduced to a powder and sold in its supplement form.
Taste
Gelatin powder is not available in a variety of flavours like whey protein and generally tastes of the animal source of which it is derived. Some people find that the flavour is best utilised in recipes to create delicious desserts, stocks or stews.
Ease of use
Most gelatin, initially should be added to warm liquids as its addition to cold liquids would result in inconsistent textures. After the warm liquid has cooled it will become gelatinous, providing a product perfect for creating culinary delights such as mousse, jelly babies, and marshmallows.
The gelatin powder from Great Lakes Gelatin that we sell at LiveHelfi can also be added to cold liquids. It will gel in a consistent texture when you put it in the fridge.
Collagen Hydrolysate
Source
Collagen is heated and treated with enzymes to break down the bonds between the amino acids, resulting in smaller easily digested molecules.
Taste
Collagen hydrolysate has a neutral taste and can be added to most liquids and recipes without altering the flavour.
Ease of use
Collagen hydrolysate is soluble in hot and cold liquids and does not produce any dramatic changes in texture. Collagen hydrolysate serves as the superior option when solubility and ease of digestion is desired.
Protein has long been the reigning champion of supplements in the health and fitness industry. Now you know a little more about the differences between whey and collagen proteins and are fully equipped with the basics information to better select a protein product for your needs.
