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The Use of Whey for Health Purposes

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The use of whey for health purposes dates back almost 8000 years. According to Whey History by Designer Whey, in 1650 “A liquid form of whey is invented and consumed as a health tonic in Italy, England, and other nearby countries.” It was consumes in spas by the aristocrats of this time period. Since it was very perishable and had to be consumed within 10 hours of production, people would deliver it immediately to these spas for immediate consumption. Then in 1930 Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that whey protein can be an effective treatment for tuberculosis and rickets. 1993 is when the first ‘designer whey’ products entered the market which immediately became extremely popular among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. Now, whey protein products have become one of the most popular supplements in the health and fitness industry.

The three main forms of whey protein are concentrates, isolates, and hydrolysates. Whey protein concentrates is the cheapest and most common form of whey protein. According to Foegeding, Davis, Doucet, McGuffey (2002), whey protein concentrate contains high levels of protein but has more lactose and carbohydrates than the other two forms of whey protein. Whey protein Isolates are much higher in protein percentage and also lower in carbohydrates and lactose. Since isolates are overall healthier and have a better taste than the concentrates, you will find that the cost is significantly more than concentrates according to Lee (1992).

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