It's a fact: You need protein to build and repair the cells, muscles and tissues in your body. It contains amino acids, the "building blocks of life", and simply put, protein is indispensable to the healthy functioning of our bodies.

The most nutritious form of protein available is whey protein, a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey. Because of this, it is the "Gold Standard" by which all protein is measured against. It is highly soluble, easily digestible and capable of providing fast nourishment because it is readily absorbed in the muscles. Serious athletes, regular fitness enthusiasts, diabetics, cancer survivors, infants and the elderly all stand to benefit from whey protein. Here's why:

For starters, athletes who need twice the amount of protein than non-athletes make whey protein a staple to their daily diet because it provides the body with branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) that get metabolized directly into muscle tissue. This gives the body the nutrients it needs to repair and rebuild lean muscle tissue "traumatized" during exercise and resistance training sessions. The leucine in whey protein is also important in synthesizing and promoting muscle growth. By opening up the blood vessels, whey protein facilitates the smooth flow of nutrients to necessary areas so repair and rebuilding of muscle tissues stressed during exercise and strength training can take place. The presence of glutathione, an antioxidant, in whey protein also enables athletes to stay in peak form since it keeps their immune systems healthy and strong despite the rigors of exercise and regular trainings.

Whey protein also benefits those on the road to weight loss. In order to digest protein, your body expends more energy, thus burning more calories in the process. This boosts metabolism and burns fat. Moreover, ingestion of protein reduces hunger by slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, lowering insulin levels and making it easier for the body to burn fat. Whey protein carries this hunger-reducing property to the next level by actually suppressing appetite. Thanks to cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), two appetite-suppressing hormones, food intake is greatly reduced and controlled. For those who are serious in their quest to stay fit and sexy, whey protein makes the process a whole lot easier.

The benefits of whey protein don't just end with athletes or fitness enthusiasts, however. Cancer patients who have compromised immune systems because of chemotherapy and radiotherapy need an easily digestible form of protein that boosts their immune systems and reduces their risk of secondary infections. Diabetics consume whey protein so they are able to carefully monitor and control their blood sugar levels without the additional fat and cholesterol found in other protein supplements.

Aside from being an essential component in formula milk, whey protein is also crucial to healthy aging. With a sensible exercise program and proper nutrition, consumption of whey protein among the elderly helps prevent both muscle and bone loss. It is also an important component in proper wound healing.

So why whey? Because it gives all the benefits outlined above and more. Studies are now being conducted on the efficacy of whey protein in protecting against cardiovascular diseases and cancer. That's even more reason for everyone to go the way of the whey.