Whey protein is a popular supplement amongst athletes as it is an excellent source of the branched chain amino acids that can be beneficial for muscle growth. However, whey has a number of other properties that may make it beneficial as a general health supplement. One of the main health benefits of whey are the immune stimulating peptides that it contains. For example, evidence supports beneficial immune stimulating effects for lactoferrin, betalactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, glycomacropeptide, and immunoglobulins in whey. In addition, whey may also have a number of other health effects that include antioxidant, antihypertensive, antitumor, hypolipidemic, antiviral, antibacterial, and chelating properties. Many effects of whey may occur because the cysteine in whey can be converted to the cellular antioxidant glutathione, and in turm glutathione then improves the health of the cells and tissues through its central antioxidant function. Whey protein should therefore be considered as part of a healthy diet by those wishing to benefit from its health effect.
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