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Whey Protein FAQ's


Choose a Whey Protein Powder Question:

1. What is whey protein?

Whey protein is derived from milk proteins as part of the cheese manufacturing process (remember the nursery rhyme "Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet eating her curds and whey"?). For decades whey was used as animal feed. Veterinarians noticed how healthy the animals got when they were fed whey, which led to research into the benefits of whey. By 1992, a process was developed to extract the pure amino acids from milk proteins leaving behind all the sugar (lactose), fat, and cholesterol. What the nutritional scientists came up with is the purest, cleanest, most biologically available (most easily absorbed) source of protein in history. Whey protein isolate is the richest source of the 8 essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids your body needs for growth, energy, and vibrant health.

2. What is the difference between EnergyFirst ProEnergy Whey Protein Isolate and EnergyFirst Whey Protein Concentrate products?

Both products are some of the purest, highest quality protein powders available on them market today.

  • EnergyFirst ProEnergy Whey Protein Isolate contains whey protein isolate, which is the purest and most absorbable form of whey protein in existence, containing 90% pure protein. It is lactose, fat, and cholesterol free. If you have lactose intolerance, or you are using whey protein powder every day, we recommend using EnergyFirst ProEnergy Whey Isolate products.
  • EnergyFirst ProEnergy Whey Protein Concentrate contains pure whey protein concentrate, which was the purest whey protein available when we first formulated it in 1997. It is second in purity to whey protein isolate, and is 80% pure protein, but does contain small amounts of lactose, fat, and cholesterol.

Both products are cross-flow-micro-filtered, which is the cleanest processing technique, using no chemicals and no heat (as opposed to ion exchange processing, which uses both heat and chemicals), thereby producing whey protein that is highly undenatured, with almost 100% of all the whey sub-fractions intact, including powerful immune booster lactoferrin. Both products are 100% natural and are very low in carbohydrates. Both products are sweetened with Stevia Leaf extract (a natural herbal sweetener that is 400 times sweeter than sugar), which do not affect blood sugar and are safe (and recommended) for diabetics.

3. EnergyFirst ProEnergy is more expensive than other whey proteins that I see at GNC and grocery stores. What makes EnergyFirst ProEnergy different from others on the market?

EnergyFirst ProEnergy is made with only 100% pure whey protein isolate and natural sweeteners and flavors, and is processed using cross-flow micro-filtration, the most advanced processing technique available today. EnergyFirst ProEnergy is pharmaceutical-grade and has been used by physicians to improve immunity and muscle mass for patients with cancer and immune-disorders. It is recommended for diabetics because it is very low in carbohydrates (at 2-4 grams of carbs per serving) and uses only low-glycemic natural sweeteners including stevia leaf extract, which has been proven to help control blood sugar.

In contrast, most whey protein powders available on the retail market today:

  • Are manufactured using less expensive ion-exchange processing, which denatures (i.e. destroys) the protein sub-fractions (including powerful immune-booster, lactoferrin) through the use of heat and chemicals.
  • Contain lower-grade (and less expensive) whey proteins (e.g. whey protein concentrate, whey peptides, and hydrosolate) rather than 100% whey protein isolate. These lower quality whey proteins contain lactose, which may cause allergic responses and gastro-intestinal upsets.
  • Are artificially flavored.
  • Artificially sweetened with toxic sweeteners such as aspartame, ace-sulfame-K, and Sucralose, which research has shown may cause various health issues including migraines, headaches, fatigue, fibromyalgia-type symptoms, kidney calcification, liver enlargement, and suppression of immune function.
  • Contain cheap fillers and hidden sweeteners such as glycerin and sugar alcohols which raise blood sugar.

4. Who is whey protein for?

Whey protein is ideal for:

  • Growing children and teenagers. ADD and ADHD are common childhood "diseases", which many consider to be diseases of sugar addiction. Whey protein helps stabilize children's blood sugar, increases production of feel-good brain chemicals which helps increase mental clarity and focus, and helps prevent and reduce the symptoms of ADD and ADHD.
  • Pregnant or lactating women. Protein is essential for the proper fetal and infant development, particularly brain development, and helps prevent gestational diabetes.
  • Adults. As we get older, our bodies are less efficient at absorbing protein. Whey protein is the most easily absorbed protein available. It will reverse the aging process and rebuild your immune system. You will rarely if ever be sick and you will begin to look and feel years younger.
  • Busy people. The busier you are, the more energy you need. Whey protein helps increase mental and physical energy�instantly.
  • Athletes and body builders. It is the most easily and quickly absorbed protein available, for maximum muscle synthesis.

5. What are the benefits of Whey Protein?

Research shows that whey protein has the following health benefits:

  • Stabilizes blood sugar and prevents diabetes by slowing assimilation of carbohydrates into glucose in the blood stream.
  • Reduces stress and alleviates depression by slowing production of the powerful stress hormone, cortisol, and promoting the release of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter (brain chemical).
  • Promotes fat loss by enhancing the release of glucagon (builds muscle, burns fat) and inhibiting release of insulin (encourages fat storage).
  • Builds muscle by stimulating maximum protein synthesis.
  • Enhances the immune system by raising the body's levels of glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant produced by the body to protect cells and neutralize toxins.
  • Increases exercise capacity.
  • Fights infections.
  • Encourages bone growth helping to prevent osteoporosis.
  • Has the highest biological value (a measure of nitrogen retained for growth or maintenance) of any protein because it is absorbed, utilized and retained by the body better than other proteins.
  • May help lower triglycerides and cholesterol.
  • May help prevent prostate cancer.
  • May help prevent chronic periodontal disease.

6. Can I use EnergyFirst ProEnergy if I am lactose intolerant?

Yes. EnergyFirst ProEnergy is made from 100% whey protein isolate which is lactose free and is hypo-allergenic, meaning it rarely causes allergic reactions. Lower quality, cheaper whey protein products contain lactose and can cause allergic reactions including stomach upsets and other digestive problems.

7. What is the difference between soy protein and whey protein?

Soy protein comes from soybeans, which is a legume�a source of carbohydrate. There are three problems with soy protein. The protein from soy is not complete�it is missing one of the essential amino acids, called methionine. Most soy protein powders are fortified with this amino acid, making it complete. However it is important to know that most soy protein products are processed using hexane and other toxic chemicals, which are not safe for the body. Also, the body does not easily absorb soy protein�it has a low biological value�meaning a significant percentage of the protein passes through your body unused. It is an inferior source of protein to whey protein.

8. Are there any side effects associated with whey protein?

Whey protein increases glutathione levels in serum (blood) and liver. Glutathione is the body's most powerful antioxidant and plays a key role in immune function. When liver glutathione levels rise, the liver is able to more effectively detoxify the body. Some people (especially those who have had a highly toxic diet, or exposed to high levels of environmental toxins) may have a mild temporary reaction to these mobilized toxins as the liver is removing them from storage in body fat. Whey protein isolate is composed of the same basic proteins that are found in human breast milk, and has the same side effect profile as human breast milk. Because it is a milk protein, people who are mildly allergic to milk proteins may experience minor gastric distress from whey protein. This gastric distress usually disappears if you reduce the dose. If you have serious milk protein allergy (which is very rare) you should not use whey isolate. Note: Lactose intolerance is not a milk allergy.

9. I have heard that whey can make me constipated. Is this true?

Low quality whey protein can cause digestive upsets including constipation. If you experience constipation using a high quality whey isolate, it may be that you are not drinking sufficient water, or you are not getting sufficient essential fats. It is important to drink at least 10 glasses of pure water every day, and include at least three servings of raw seeds or raw seed oils (such as EnergyFirst OmegaEnergy Oil and OmegaEnergy Mix) every day, because they contain soluble fiber and omega 3 and 6 fats, which are essential to proper digestion and elimination.

10. Can I use whey protein if I have kidney disease?

100% whey protein isolate is one of the most easily digested and most easily absorbed forms of protein available. Its Protein Efficiency Ratio (a mark of the quality of a protein) is extremely high, and in conditions such as renal failure where protein intake must be limited, it is most prudent to consume the highest quality proteins such as whey protein isolate and egg white proteins, versus lower quality proteins such as red meat and dairy, that produce more problematic metabolic waste by-products and residues.

11. Can I use EnergyFirst ProEnergy if I have celiac disease?

Yes. Celiacs are usually instructed not to ingest wheat or gluten. There is no wheat or gluten in EnergyFirst ProEnergy Whey proteins powders.

12. Can I mix EnergyFirst ProEnergy Whey protein with fruit juice?

You can, but that would defeat the purpose of the EnergyFirst program. Fruit juice, even freshly squeezed, is very high in sugar. It takes many pieces of whole fruit to make one glass of juice. Fruit juice is very quickly broken down into glucose in your blood stream. It causes an instant blood sugar rush, and subsequent insulin spike. You can use whole fruit in your shake, but not fruit juice. Whole fruit has fiber, is not as concentrated as fruit juice, and, blended with raw oil and whey protein, which slows gastric emptying causing the carbohydrates to break down more slowly into glucose.

13. Isn't whey protein just for athletes and body builders?

No, absolutely not. It has been the protein of choice for athletes and body builders because it is the most easily absorbed, purest source of complete protein available, in a convenient powder that can be added to a variety of foods. It is so pure it is perfect for babies, as soon as they are weaned off the breast, growing children (it strengthens bones), teenagers (it helps prevent and treat ADD and ADHD), and adults (especially busy ones). It is perfect for the aging, because when you age: first your ability to digest protein lessens, and your muscles start to diminish. Whey protein isolate is very easily absorbed, and is extremely anabolic, meaning it helps build muscle mass, and it is a powerful immune-booster, so it helps prevent sickness and disease.

14. What should I look for in a high-quality protein supplement?

There are various factors to consider when looking for a high quality protein.

  • A high-quality supplement should, first and foremost, have generous amounts of all the 8 essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins. And proteins are the building blocks of muscle. "Essential" means that your body needs it, but cannot manufacture it. Therefore you must eat it. The eight essential amino acids are: tryptophan, lysine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, valine, threonine, and isoleucine. Leucine, Valine and Isoleucine are Branched Chain amino acids (BCAA) which make up one third of muscle protein and are absolutely essential components of a protein supplement.
  • Research has proven that whey protein isolate, produced using the cross-flow micro-filtration processing method is best for maximum nitrogen retention and optimum anabolic response (muscle building/repair). This processing technique keeps the proteins 98-99% or more in their natural form (that is, they do not denature the proteins), which is essential to the whey's anti-cancer and immune-boosting activity. Next best are whey concentrates which are usually about 80-90% undenatured. One scoop of EnergyFirst ProEnergy (approximately 25 grams) contains 19 grams of protein. A regular serving size is 2 scoops.
  • Next, a protein supplement should be very low in sugar. Look at the carbohydrate content on the nutritional facts label. If there is more than a couple of grams of sugar per serving, it is not high quality. Total carbohydrates should be no more than 3-4 grams per serving. 100% whey protein isolate is the only type of whey that is lactose free, fat free, and cholesterol free.
  • A whey protein product should be naturally sweetened. Avoid any product that contains artificial sweeteners because they are known to accelerate brain aging, as well as a host of other detrimental side effects. Stevia leaf extract is the best sugar-free, natural sweetener.
  • Protein supplements should also be fat free or virtually fat free�no more than 2 grams per serving, and should be cholesterol free.
  • Finally, there are many soy and vegetable protein supplements, which are particularly popular with vegetarians. Soy is not a complete protein, meaning it does not contain all the essential amino acids, and soy proteins are not as biologically available as animal sources and whey protein, meaning they are not as readily usable by your body. This makes them an inferior protein supplement.

15. How much protein does my body need for optimal health and energy?

Protein is the raw building material for muscle tissue and other body proteins. 60-70% of the body's protein is found in muscle tissue. In order for muscle growth to occur (which is a big part of attaining our goal of getting lean), you must consume more protein than you utilize. The amount of protein you need ranges anywhere from .8 grams per pound of body weight to 1.5 grams or more, depending on your activity level and your training goals. The bigger you are, the more active you are, and the more under stress you are, the more lean protein you need! Pregnant and lactating women need a gram per pound per day. Children need a gram per pound per day. If you're carbohydrate sensitive you need at least a gram per pound per day.
The information presented is prepared from medical and scientific sources of the latest exercise physiology and human biochemistry research. In our experience, this research has been shown to be accurate and reliable. The information herein and our products are not intended to take the place of medical advice nor are they intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician before taking supplements, particularly if you are taking prescription medication. Our product contains nutrients that have been clinically proven to nutritionally support the body. However, under the rules created by the FDA, we cannot claim that, by consuming our products, it will cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease. And, because of the nature of how we produce our products, using only natural ingredients, our products will never be classified as a drug. Only a drug, approved by the FDA, may claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.