If you have been keeping up with the latest fitness news, you are most probably familiar with whey protein powder. Whey protein powder is becoming well-known among many fitness enthusiasts and athletes, who are now incorporating this interesting pure protein source into their daily workout. But here’s something you should now: whey protein is not an entirely modern invention. In fact, whey – the substance used to make this product – has been used by people for over 24 centuries.
A Brief History of Whey
Whey is a natural, pure protein substance formed during cheese-making. It is the liquid part of fresh milk that is left behind. Whey has been used during the ancient times; Hippocrates, the father of medicine, advised his patients to use this product. Galen, also a founding father of medicine, also recommended this product to his patients.
Eventually, doctors and authors in many different areas around the world became interested in whey, and also began recommending it to patients. For over a millennium, whey became widely used in the Middle East, the Indus Valley, and even in Europe.
There is one minor problem with whey, though: it is extremely perishable, and must be consumed within 10 hours. But modern technology has found a way to make whey readily available to people, without them having to worry about it from becoming wasted: whey protein powder.
Whey Protein Powder: The Modern-Day Equivalent of Perishable Whey
Whey protein powder is the form of whey that many people today are more familiar with. Unlike whey, which is in liquid form, whey protein comes in a powdered form, stored in tightly sealed plastic jars. Many people prefer to use whey protein powder over regular whey because aside from lasting longer, it is also easier to obtain – you can get it from any health store today. Whey protein powders also come in various flavors to suit your taste and preference.
However, you must be very careful when choosing a whey protein powder, because many commercially-available brands are not only nutritionally deficient but also significantly-damaged. This is because of poor whey quality and over-processing. There are even commercial whey protein powders that contain dangerous levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
When choosing a whey protein powder, make sure you first check who the manufacturer is. The best whey protein powder is cold-processed, free of additives, and uses whey made from the milk of grass-fed cows.
Whey Protein Powder is Not Just for Protein Shakes
The most common way to enjoy whey protein powder is to make it into a protein shake, mixed with raw, organic eggs and some fruit. However, this can get tiring after a while. If you want to learn other ways to enjoy your protein powder, here are some recipes you can try:
- Whey Protein Oatmeal – Add one or two scoops of flavored whey protein powder to a cup of plain, cooked oatmeal. For added sweetness, add half a teaspoon of raw honey.
- Protein Pudding – Get a cup of non-fat yogurt and mix in one scoop of protein powder in it. Mix the two ingredients well, and then chill for an hour or two. Before serving, top with your favorite berries or some granola.
- Fruity Whey Protein Dessert – Get half a cup of applesauce and add a scoop of berry-flavored whey protein powder in it. Stir in some fresh berries (blueberries or strawberries will taste wonderful), and top with some fat-free whipped cream.
You can also mix whey protein into your favorite recipes, such as in your salad dressings, soups, or even in your pastry. Mix it well into your favorite cheesecake, bread, cookies, or muffins. It will give your favorite baked products a unique but flavorful taste.
About the Author
Mishka Thomas is a food blogger. She loves experimenting with food, particularly those made from all-organic ingredients. Her current project is to make unique recipes using whey protein powder, after she has gotten tired of making whey protein shakes to take to the gym. She has now created over 30 recipes using this unique product.
