Taking whey protein can ramp up protein metabolism and exercise recovery, per one study11. Whey protein enhances “whole body anabolism” (e.g., muscle-building) to help support recovery and muscle protein synthesis after strenuous exercise like resistance training.
Additionally, whey protein is an excellent source of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are well-research and praised for their benefits regarding muscle protein synthesis12 and post-exercise recovery13.
“Whey is often considered the gold standard for its ability to maximally stimulate protein synthesis for the least amount of protein. This is because it is well absorbed and has a very high leucine content,” Eric Williamson, Ph.D., R.D., a registered dietitian, exercise nutrition expert, and founder of Unlocked Fitness and Nutrition, tells mindbodygreen.
“Leucine is important because it triggers muscle protein synthesis. This has made whey protein the most popular supplement form of protein for building muscle mass and other adaptations to exercise,” Williamson adds.
