By Samit Mehta,
Founder, UTH Beverage Factory
The basics of Biology and Anatomy teach us “Protein is the building block of our body”. Along with carbohydrates and fats, protein is the most important macro-nutrient. While our body needs carbs and fats for energy, protein is needed for tissue growth & repair. Many of us have experienced that after following a hardcore exercise and dieting routine we can hear ice cream and pasta calling our names out loud and our diet goes for a toss. According to a study published women tend to crave sugar loaded items like candies, chocolates, donuts etc. This is due to a variance in the sugar levels in the body. Whey protein helps check this sugar level intact. Many women think that Whey Protein will bulk them up. However it is not true, women do not have the hormones that facilitate huge muscles like men. Whey will aid women in getting an overall toned look rather than looking bulky.
The consumption of whey is current restricted to physically active fitness enthusiasts and hardcore bodybuilders. The misconception prevalent is that whey is not suitable for an average individual with sedentary lifestyle which includes women. Well let’s find out what all false allegations our beloved Whey has been accused for:
1. Women think that consuming whey protein will make them bulky. They will develop features like the men and will look like them. Whey will help in fat reduction, promotes lean muscle growth and help maintain weight by speeding up weight loss process.
2. Women need very little amounts of whey protein in comparison to men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA the standard food guide recommendation for the average individual is around 46 grams per day for women. This is the recommendation for the average, semi-sedentary individual. If you’re exercising, you should aim to consume somewhere around 0.8-1 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight daily. May be 1-2 scoop of whey will be sufficient.
3. Whey Causes Bloating & Gas. The possible root cause of bloated or gassy stomach could be that you are lactose intolerant. In that case one should consume Whey Isolate – the purest form of protein.
4. High protein intake will increase testosterone levels. Women testosterone levels are much lower as compared to men. Testosterone levels are mostly increased due to high carb and fat diet. Consumption of whey doesn’t boost testosterone levels unless consumed in high amounts.
5. Whey protein is hard on kidneys . There is no research to prove this point. However A high protein diet is not recommended for those who are suffering from kidney issues. Consumption of 2 grams per pound of bodyweight has not shown adverse effects on the kidneys when combined with balanced diet.
6. Women need different whey protein than men. Men and women can consume the same whey protein and it is safe to consume. There are brands in the market that sell different kinds of whey protein made just for women. They add female-specific vitamins and minerals like Folic acid and Vitamin B6, which are required for growth in females. If you think that you need additional multi-vitamins along with your whey protein, then you can use them separately.
7. Protein Diets Compromise Bone Health. There’s no definitive proof that’s linked to bone loss and poor health. In fact, according to the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” studies found that high-protein diets had a small but significant benefit to the lumbar spine
The benefits of whey protein in women are immense:
- Increases muscle content in the body
- Helps in weight loss
- Improves hair condition
- Keeps your immunity strong
- Keeps the skin and nails in good condition
- Improves metabolism, maintains high energy levels and reduces fatigue
- Helps to focus and negates mood swings
- No PMS-ing
- Reduces Bone and joint pain
- Keeps Blood sugar in check
- Helps in beauty sleep well