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What Exactly is Whey Protein Isolate; and is it Healthy?

The most common ingredient in most protein supplements today is whey. Whey comes from dairy, cow milk in most cases, and its found in either an isolate or a concentrate. This article will explain what whey isolate really is and look at potential health risks involved.

What is Whey Protein Made From?

When milk is processed to form solid products like yogurt or cheese, there is a leftover liquid. This left over liquid is known as whey. Whey isolate is a product derived from this liquid by extracting the protein from the liquid through various techniques. It’s a high protein powder with a complete amino acid profile, making it popular in the nutritional community. It’s also cheap and widely available due to the size and reach of the dairy industry.

Is Whey Healthy?

Currently the general consensus towards whey is that it is a healthy dietary supplement. However for individual with dairy sensitivity (65% of the global population) whey can cause short term digestive discomfort and distress due to the small presence of Lactose. Over a longer period of time these symptoms can lead to more serious health concerns. Most people aren’t aware that a majority of humans have dairy sensitivity. Many people, especially in western countries, have dairy sensitivity but don’t ever realize it. Unfortunately lots of people brush off gastrointestinal distress as “normal” when they eat high dairy content meals or supplements.

Environmental and Ethical Impact of Whey Production

Whey is a product of the dairy industry. By choosing to consume whey, you are directly contributing to the massive waste of water, land, and crops caused by the dairy industry. It’s a product that requires animal cruelty to be produced, and belongs to an industry responsible for the highest output of harmful greenhouse gases on earth.

Summary

Whey is a byproduct of cheese production, it is the watery substance left over after the cheese has curdled. Whey is generally considered to be a healthy protein supplement, unless you belong to the 65%+ of the global population with lactose sensitivity. Many people who have lactose sensitivity don’t even realize it, if you choose to consume dairy you should ask your doctor to test you for lactose intolerance so you can avoid any long term health risks. It’s a product of an anti-environmental industry and its production contributes to animal suffering. Whey may be considered healthy, but there are plenty of alternatives on the market today that you can choose from and stop contributing to the environmental and ethical harm of the dairy industry.