Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Benefits.
Hydrolysed or hydrolyzed whey protein is a type of whey protein. Let us first look at how it is made to understand its uses and benefits.
WHAT IS WHEY PROTEIN?
Whey protein is found in dairy. An average cup of cow’s milk is predominately made up of water, but also contains about 5% carbohydrates, 4% fat, and 3% protein. From that protein, 20% is whey and the remaining 80% is casein.
When a coagulant (usually rennet, but also acids such as lemon juice) is added to milk, the curds (casein) and whey separate. When you make paneer at home, paneer is casein and the yellowish/greenish liquid left after straining paneer is the liquid whey.
Using different processing techniques, whey can be made into these common forms as a powder:
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Benefits.
- Speed of Digestion: Although all types of whey proteins are considered as fast digesting, hydro whey is even more quick digesting as it is already broken down or pre-digested.
- Muscle Support: Hydro whey is a high-quality complete protein, contains naturally occurring Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), thus supports muscle recovery and muscle protein synthesis.
Trivia: Hydrolysed/hydrolyzed whey protein is also known as hydrowhey or whey peptides. All these terms mean the same thing.
Form | Description |
Whey protein concentrate (WPC) | Ranges in protein content of 34 – 80% |
Whey protein isolate (WPI) | Contains up to 90% protein Undergoes a filtration process, which removes some of the fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates and lactose |
Hydrolyzed whey protein | WPI that is broken down into smaller pieces for rapid absorption |
How Much Protein Is in Hydrolysed Whey Protein?
Hydrolysed whey protein or hydrowhey can be made from WPC or WPI both. Basically, you take wither forms of whey proteins, break it down into smaller amino acid chains (hydrolysis) with help of enzyme. So depending on what type of whey was used to begin with it could have upto 80% of protein (if WPC was used) or up to 90% of protein (if WPI was used).
Spotlight on A Product containing hydro whey.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate is made with 100% Whey protein isolate (WPI) and part of this WPI is further hydrolysed/broken down. So technically you can say it is a blend of WPI and WPH.
Few important considerations before purchasing Hydrowhey
- Cost: Hydrolysed whey protein is the most processed and sophisticated form of whey present. It is a premium ingredient and any supplement containing hydrowhey tends to cost more.
- Your Goal: For more beginners and or lifestyle-oriented people WPC or WPI based products will help them meet their needs. Hydrowhey is used by athletes or super active individuals who are in need of serious and quick recovery.
- Taste and Macros: in its raw form hydrolysed whey tends to be bitter in taste since it is partially disgusted. Which is why when making supplements with it manufacturers may add back some carbs/fats/creamers to mask the unpleasant taste. If you are on extremely restrictive diet such as low carb or low fat make sure to check the nutritional composition of your hydro whey supplement.
Take Home Message
Hydrowhey or hydrolysed whey protein is a high-quality complete protein which is quick digesting and is a great option for athletes and super active individuals in need of serious recovery.