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Benefits of Undenatured Whey Protein

Loveleena Rajeev
There are several health benefits associated with undenatured whey protein. Read on to know what it is, and how it boosts the immune system.
Whey proteins are natural byproducts of the casein and cheese making processes. Undenatured whey protein is different from regular whey protein. The production involves minimum processing, and that too at low temperatures.
This helps preserve the critical components such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulins. Heat-denatured whey lacks in certain nutrients that can significantly improve the health of a person.
The pH balance of the milk changes during heating and acidifying processes. With the use of the catalyst and application of heat, the secondary and tertiary structural bonds of the protein break. The protein obtained through such processes is called 'denatured' protein.
It is a fact that undenatured whey protein is also 'denatured' to some extent (it can be described as "not as denatured as other forms of whey"), but it is produced in such a way, that it is more beneficial than other whey proteins.
Undenatured whey maintains all of its amino acids as it is cold processed. Processing at high temperatures leads to the destruction of the helpful nutrients and organisms. However, manufacturers of 'undenatured whey' are supposed to pasteurize the milk to the FDA's satisfaction.

Undenatured Whey Protein and Glutathione

New emerging researches suggest that undenatured whey protein is known to help overcome glutathione deficiencies. Glutathione is produced in the human liver, and it plays the role of a powerful antioxidant. It is basically a small protein found in the liver comprising three important amino acids; glutamate, cysteine, and glycine.
All cells and fluid in the body contain glutathione. When the mechanics to build glutathione fails, the liver starts accumulating toxins. This leads to weakening of muscles and the immune system. Glutathione deficiency can increase the risk of developing infections and diseases such as cancer, dementia, arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions.
As undenatured whey protein naturally contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), it helps boost antioxidant and cancer fighting properties of the cells of the immune system. However, undenatured whey protein, extracted by cold-membrane filtration, is quite expensive.

Health Benefits

10 g or one scoop of certified organic (milk obtained from grass-fed cows, it is free of rGBH - a genetically engineered artificial hormone that helps enhance the production of milk, antibiotics, and other hormones) undenatured bioactive whey protein contains 8 g of protein.
When consumed as per prescription, the protein can help build the immune system. It enhances the production and replication of white blood cells (lymphocytes).
People with fatigue and/or depression are likely to have low glutathione levels. With proper supplementation, they can overcome the deficiency. Undenatured whey protein provides the body with vital cell nutrients like cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. It can also boost your body's ability to produce glutathione.
It plays a vital role in maintaining the activity of other important antioxidants like vitamins C and E. It reactivates these antioxidants even after they have done their job. Thus they keep working for an extended period of time.
In kidneys, lungs, liver, and intestines, glutathione helps break down the ingested/inhaled chemicals and pollutants. Certain toxic substances are produced during various metabolic processes too. Glutathione promotes natural detoxification of organs and systems. It helps eliminate toxins from the body.
The antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-microbial properties of this protein significantly reduce your risk of developing diseases and disorders.
Normal glutathione levels can help prevent the early onset of aging-like changes. It is essential for overall physical and mental health. Glutathione levels decrease with aging. So, aged people should incorporate undenatured whey protein as a nutritious supplement in their diet.
Undenatured whey protein can be incorporated in healthy diets. It provides an excellent nutritional support, and contains less than 1% fat and lactose. It contains the highest concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), and promotes growth and repair of muscle tissue. It prevents muscle catabolism.
There are some important di-peptides (amino acid pairs) and tri-peptides (amino acid triples) also retained in it. These help turn on protein functions. In denatured whey, they are broken down into single amino acids. They cannot work like the di-peptides and tri-peptides.
It also helps to improvise and speed up cellular recovery. This helps boost the energy levels.
Some studies also indicate that it helps to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol). Thus, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Human Consumption

Many companies now manufacture undenatured whey protein under stringent pharmaceutical grade conditions, and mostly pack them in moisture-proof packets to ensure purity and freshness. They are sold as per serving packs.
The whey protein is recommended with water, at room temperature, to achieve the best results. One single serving is mostly taken with five or more ounces of water. It depends upon the amount prescribed, as per individual requirement.
Undenatured whey protein addresses health issues caused by a poor diet, too many toxins, pollution, too many medicines, stress, infections, radiation, and aging processes. However, make sure you consult a doctor before consuming the supplement, as whey protein side effects are generally difficult to treat.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.