Whey protein has gained immense popularity in recent times – so much that some people are even calling it the wonder supplement. But then, there's a line between what's real and what's just folklore. In this post, we’ll be debunking four myths about whey protein. These myths seem appealing and even logical at first. However, when you break them down to their essence, you’ll find that they don’t hold any water.
Myth 1: Whey protein is all you need to build muscle.
To be fair, whey protein has a lot of muscle-building properties. If you take whey protein isolate, you get about 90% of pure protein in every gram. Additionally, it has all the essential amino acids. That’s not all; whey protein is also responsible for promoting protein synthesis in the body, as well as other functions.
However, without a disciplined workout routine, you can't build muscle by taking whey protein alone. You need resistance training. Without adequate stress and strain, your muscles won't need to lay new protein. Without the need for muscle protein synthesis, you might as well be taking whey protein for blood pressure regulation.
Myth 2: You don't need whey for endurance training.
This is another myth about whey protein that seems to have some logic behind it. If whey is so effective in building muscle mass, people who aren’t looking for muscle mass don’t need it. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. All whey protein does is enhance your body’s processes. If you’re lifting weights, it helps you build muscle.
However, if you’re training for endurance, your muscles will still need repair. They just won’t need to add new mass. Whey will still help you to lay down new muscle tissue. But then, whey does more than just lay down muscle in the body. It also increases muscle strength and promotes protein synthesis – two of the things you need for great results in your workout.
Myth 3: Whey protein is artificial.
Whey protein is so spectacular that it sounds almost too good to be true. It’s easy to see why people consider it in the same class as steroids. However, the myth is simply not true. Whey protein is 100% natural. In fact, it's extracted from milk. Just because whey protein is an unflavored protein powder doesn’t mean it’s not from a natural source.
Milk is made of two proteins – casein and whey. Whey is the byproduct of the process of cheese production. When whey is extracted, it undergoes a couple of processes until it's finally made into whey protein powder. Even though whey protein isn't grown from the ground, it's not exactly cultured in a lab either.
Myth 4: Whey protein is better than food.
If you’re looking at it from the standpoint of protein delivery, then there may be some truth to this. Whey protein is almost 100% protein, and so, you’ll get more from it than any other meal. Additionally, since it contains all the essential amino acids, you no longer have to look to your diet for those.
However, there's no substitute for real food. Your body still needs carbs (but in small quantities). It also needs fats, oils, and minerals. There's also the feeling of satiety you get when you eat real food. Even though whey is good for you, your body still needs real food. You're human, after all.
