Whey proteins are value-added ingredients that offer food and beverage manufacturers great taste, unsurpassed nutrition and superior functionality in a variety of applications.
Whey proteins are high quality and complete. Complete proteins are important because they contain all the amino acids required by humans, helping to build and repair tissue; create antibodies, hormones and enzymes; and provide energy. Whey protein has the highest biological value of any protein, meaning it is efficiently used by the human body (104 for whey protein vs. 100 for eggs, 74 for soy protein and 54 for wheat).
The functional benefits of whey proteins include a neutral dairy flavor plus texture, gelling, foaming, emulsifying and browning capabilities.
The unique nutritional composition of whey proteins may provide unique health benefits. Emerging research suggests that higher daily intakes of high-quality protein and their amino acid components, especially the higher amounts of leucine found in whey protein, may help people on a reduced-calorie diet preserve lean muscle mass while burning fat more effectively than those who just cut calories while consuming lower amounts of protein. Preliminary studies show whey protein may offer advantages in lowering blood pressure. There also are some suggestions of protection against infections and viruses.