Athletes and bodybuilders agree, protein is one of the most important nutrients that you need in your diet, and whey protein is the best of them all.

If you want to perform at the highest level possible, whether you are an athlete, bodybuilder, or just looking to get fit, studies have found whey proteins contain just the right combination of amino acids at the right concentration for optimal performance.

Protein levels are depleted through workouts. Whey proteins supply essential amino acids and are a precursor to building muscle. It builds muscles, reduces muscle deterioration, and enhances your endurance. Whey supplements supply a good amount of branch-chain amino acids that are important to bodybuilders since they are metabolized directly into the muscle instead of the liver like other amino acids.

Protein is a central part of any workout or fitness plan. Of all of the proteins out there, whey is by far the best. Whey protein contains only the highest quality protein that comes from milk (it is one of the key ingredients in a Mother’s milk, which, as any doctor will tell you, is the absolute best thing you can give a baby). Whey protein is derived from the process where milk is turned into cheese – liquid whey is separated from the casein protein.

How does whey protein stack up against other sources of protein? We know that sources rich in protein include meats, soy products, vegetable protein, and dairy protein. Among these, it is important to determine which will provide you with the most benefit. There is a test to determine the "Biological Value" of various sources of protein. This determines the amount of protein that is retained from the absorbed protein in the body. The Biological Value of Whey Protein scores 100 out of 100, which puts it easily at the top of the list of best sources of protein. Another measure of quality in protein is the "Protein Efficiency Ratio". Basically it determines the quality of the protein. In this category, whey protein scores 3.2, which puts it just below egg protein and well above almost all other sources of protein.

So we know that it is good, in fact, one of the very best among all sources of protein. But what does whey protein do for you? Whey protein is often used by athletes and bodybuilders to repair and build muscles after a tough workout. It helps the body produce amino acids needed for good health. Amino acids are very important because they are the building blocks of protein. Whey protein is a key ingredient in generating a special type of amino acid called "branched-chain" amino acids". These aid the body in repair, growth, and development of muscle tissue. It has been shown that both hormonal and cellular responses seem to be greatly enhanced with supplementation of whey protein. Documented scientific research also shows that whey protein acts as an antioxidant and even benefits the immune system!

If you are at all serious about performing well as an athlete or bodybuilder, make whey protein a daily part of your diet!