- Some whey proteins do contain small amounts of both fat and cholesterol.
- There are three types of whey protein that are marketed today. They are isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate.
- Protein concentrate does contain low levels of cholesterol, fat, and has more calories than protein isolate. Concentrate is, however, less expensive than isolate.
- Soy protein is beneficial for those who have high cholesterol.
Some whey proteins do contain small amounts of both fat and cholesterol.
This is usually found in whey protein concentrate supplements.
However, there are several products on the market that do not contain cholesterol or fat.
Another type of whey protein, protein isolate, contains no cholesterol.
According to the MayoClinic, there have been several studies that show soy protein has proven beneficial in lowering cholesterol.
It has also shown to be a better alternative for protein than other milk derivatives like whey protein for those who suffer from high cholesterol.
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What Is Whey Protein?
Whey is the byproduct that is created during the process of making cheese. Whey protein is popular for dietary supplementation. It has also come to be known as a great protein supplement for those who are vegetarians.
There are three types of whey protein that are marketed today. They are isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate.
The whey protein isolate is manufactured to be both fat-free and lactose-free. Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein.
Protein concentrate does contain low levels of cholesterol, fat, and has more calories than protein isolate. Concentrate is, however, less expensive than isolate.
Protein hydrolysate is a form of whey protein that contains less allergen than concentrate and isolate. This is because the whey protein in hydrolysate is predigested and partially hydrolyzed. This makes it much easier to be broken down by the body.
What Is Soy Protein?
Soy protein is a protein that comes from soybeans. Soybeans are defatted and dehulled to produce three kinds of products: soy isolate, soy concentrates, and soy flour.
Soy protein isolate is a purified form of soybeans and is 90% protein. Usually, isolates are used to provide better texture to meat products, but can also come in a powder form.
Concentrate is used in many food products as well. It’s usually found in baked goods, cereal, and some meat products like chicken.
Concentrate is easily digested and because of this can be found in baby formula, pet food, and other powder forms.
Soy flour is usually made by the grinding of soybeans. You can find soy flour in three forms: lecithinated, defatted, and natural.
Lecithinated is simply soy flour that has lecithin added. Defatted soy flour has the oils removed and contains 50% protein content. Finally, natural soy flour contains all of its natural oils.
Soy flour is gluten-free and has become an excellent alternative for those who cannot properly digest gluten.
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Sign UpWhich Is Better: Soy or Whey Protein?
They are both beneficial for different reasons. Whey protein is broken down in the body better than soy. Because of this the body uses and absorbs whey protein more efficiently.
Whey protein has also been shown to increase muscle mass and strength in those who use it for athletic purposes. Many studies have shown that those who use whey protein are able to build muscle faster, but also do not have as many muscle strains or other related injuries while training.
This is because whey protein also aids in the recovery of muscles. It also improves immunity, which is important for athletes who push their bodies to the limit.
Soy protein is beneficial for those who have high cholesterol. This is because soy protein does not contain cholesterol or lactose. Soy protein is also a popular alternative to meat for those who are vegetarian.
Soy protein has many health benefits, but it also has other functional uses. Soy protein is used for texturizing and emulsification. Some of its other uses are for cosmetics, paints, plastics, textile fibers, cleaning materials, adhesives, resins, and asphalts.
While soy protein has no cholesterol there are those whey proteins without cholesterol as well. Whey protein isolate does not have any cholesterol or fat, which makes it a great choice for those looking to increase their protein intake, but not their cholesterol intake.
How Much Soy and Whey Protein Should I Take per Serving?
How much to take of each protein depends on the person’s weight and what they’re using the supplement for. Generally, if either soy or whey protein is being used for a sedentary person, the recommended amount is 0.36 grams per pound of weight.
For those using the supplements for bodybuilding, the recommended amount is somewhere between one and 1.5 grams per pound of weight.
Basically, the average person should try to consume 20 to 25 grams per day. Those who are athletes can double that intake on a daily basis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to take supplements?
Unless your doctor has instructed you to take certain supplements, you do not have to take them.
Are supplements safe?
Whether or not dietary supplements are safe to take depends on a number of factors. Learn more about the safety of supplements here.
What supplements do I need to take?
No one can answer that aside from your doctor. To learn more about the various supplements that doctors commonly recommend, check out this article.
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