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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
A variety of protein powders are available in the market nowadays, from brown rice to peas to hemp, etc.
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However, there are two types of protein that have stood the test of time and have been popular over the years: casein and whey.
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Casein and whey are both derived from milk, making up 80% and 20% of milk protein, respectively.
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They are high-quality proteins containing all nine essential amino acids, which one must get from food sources as they are not produced in the body.
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Both whey and casein are by-products of cheese production. During the cheesemaking process, enzymes or acids are added to hot milk, which causes the casein in the milk to coagulate and separate from a liquid substance.
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The liquid substance is whey protein, which is then washed and dried into a powder for use in food products or dietary supplements.
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Casein protein digests slowly, while whey digests quickly. These differences in absorption rates make casein protein suitable before bed and whey protein ideal for your post-workouts.
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Whey protein amino acid profile might stimulate the muscle-building process more than casein's as it contains higher leucine content when compared with casein.
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Casein and whey protein both contain different bioactive compounds that might benefit your immune and digestive systems. They can also help in the absorption of certain nutrients, such as Iron and vitamin A.
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Both whey and casein are milk protein that have added advantages for immunity, digestive health, and nutrient absorption. They also play an essential role in muscle growth and repair. Choosing one of them will solely depend on a person's health goal.
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