Reduced sugar cravings, managed blood sugar and blood lipids, Improved lean mass relative to fat mass

We have known for decades that the damage caused by sugar to our health has been largely underestimated compared to “bad fats”, such as cholesterol or saturated fats, whose harmful effects have been excessively denounced. This major rectification towards more scientific truth has been published even in renowned scientific journals such as JAMA (Kearns CE et al., 2016). The sugar industry has consistently paid millions of US dollars since the 1950s to produce false information and studies in the field (Hass HB, 1954). As in the New York Times, this has also been reported to the public and is clearly recognized today: “How the Sugar Industry Shifted Blame to Fat” (O'Connor A, September 12, 2016). In fact, the real “bad fats” that have a clear negative impact on diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are mainly processed industrial fats and trans fats (de Souza RJ et al., 2015).

Sugar in food, and especially added sugar, is therefore the real major health problem!

Studies have consistently shown that low-protein diets trigger sugar cravings and obesity (Roberge JB et al., 2019) (Kim JE et al., 2016).

Consuming whey protein can actually help control sugar cravings because protein acts on appetite and induces a feeling of satiety.

Whey consumption gives a significant and lasting feeling of satiety. This biological effect has been scientifically described and is caused by hormones produced in the intestine after consuming whey proteins. These hormones are called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1), CCK (cholecystokinin), PYY (Peptide YY) or ghrelin, and they send a satiety signal to the brain (in the hypothalamus). This is therefore gut-brain information that circulates both by blood and nerve (vagus nerve) (Lesgards et al., 2023). Other studies have shown that whey protein has a better effect on appetite control than other protein sources such as egg, casein or soy (Hall W et al., 2003) (Anderson G et al., 2004) (Uhe A et al., 1992) (Tahavorgar A et al., 2014).

Controlling hunger and sugar cravings is also essential to controlling or losing weight (by avoiding the storage of triglycerides) and reducing blood sugar spikes (hyperglycemia), which are associated with oxidation/inflammation of the pancreas and body. This helps prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Blood sugar and blood lipid management

Intake of quality whey protein, especially 60–90 minutes before a meal, increases insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells, which decreases blood glucose levels after a meal (postprandial state) (Frid AH et al., 2005) (Lesgards et al., 2023).

There are several mechanisms (see Figure 1 for more information and an overview): Certain amino acids (AAs), notably leucine, activate key enzymes such as glutamate dehydrogenase for insulin production and inhibit the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which prevents the degradation of GIP and GLP-1, two peptides useful for insulin production (Lesgards et al., 2023).

In addition, whey proteins slow gastric emptying through various actions on the stomach and intestine (relaxation of the proximal stomach, reduction of antral and duodenal motility and increase of pyloric tone) thanks to GLP-1 which decreases the increase of glucose in the blood (Mignone LE et al., 2015) (Lesgards et al., 2023).

Additionally, the amino acid cysteine ​​improves glucose metabolism in diabetic animals and type 2 diabetic patients, and Protelicious Whey is particularly rich in sulfur amino acids like cysteine ​​and methionine (which can produce cysteine ​​in the body) thanks to our cold filtration process, which preserves them from oxidation (Jain SK, 2012).

Additionally, whey protein consumption has also been shown to decrease fasting triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) in clinical studies (Lesgards et al., 2023).

Improvement in lean mass relative to fat mass

By consuming whey protein, especially from cold-processed grass-fed cows like Protelicious Whey Protein Concentrates (WPC), which probably has the best amino acid (AA) profile and digestibility of any food, you can improve your lean (muscle) to fat ratio. Combined with some regular physical activity, it contributes to a healthier figure and to controlling your body mass index (BMI) and weight.

Indeed, whey is particularly rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, which triggers muscle synthesis (Devries MC et al., 2015) (Hulmi et al., 2010) (Fujita and Volpi, 2006). Furthermore, in clinical studies, whey proteins have been found to stimulate muscle protein synthesis more effectively than other proteins such as egg, casein and soy (Devries MC et al., 2015).

Protein is also essential for bone and joint health, making up a significant portion of both tissues. AA intake plays an important role in the ongoing cycle of bone formation and resorption, thereby maintaining bone health (Jennings A. et al., 2016) (Heaney RP and Layman DK, 2008).

Intake of 1–1.2 g/kg body weight/day of quality protein is particularly crucial for older adults to prevent muscle and bone protein breakdown and age-associated loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) (Rieu I et al., 2006).

Helps combat mental fatigue and stress

Helps improve physical energy and recovery

Helps combat mental fatigue and stress

Mental fatigue is a psychobiological state caused by prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity, such as during a period of intense work (affects concentration, mood and physical performance).

Whey is useful because it can help increase the synthesis of hormones such as serotonin (a hormone of good mood and which regulates the cycles of the day) thanks to its richness in tryptophan, melatonin (a hormone of sleep) and dopamine (a hormone of motivation, pleasure and reward) thanks to its richness in tyrosine (Markus CR et al., 2000) (Markus CR et al., 2002).

Additionally, whey can also increase cellular magnesium uptake through the AAs arginine and taurine (synthesized from other AAs like cysteine ​​or methionine, which whey is richer in than many protein sources), thus contributing to the reduction of stress which has a strong impact on mental fatigue.

Helps improve physical energy and recovery

Due to the unique richness of whey in its 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine and valine), it is useful for improving muscle recovery and damage as well as muscle fiber synthesis after exercise (Devries MC et al., 2015) (Davies RW et al., 2018).

Due to its contribution to the control of inflammation and oxidation, whey is useful for muscles/tendons thanks to its richness in antioxidant AAs: cysteine, methionine, lysine and taurine (made from cysteine) after long efforts and high intensity physical activity (Sakelliou Aet al., 2016).

Protelicious Whey Protein Concentrate is processed using low temperature ultrafiltration. This process protects all the essential amino acids (EAAs), which are often partially damaged when heat is applied, either by standard industrial concentration processing methods (heating, use of strong acids, extraction on ion exchange columns), or by whey (WPC and Whey Protein Isolates/WPI) in other products on the market (for gyms and bodybuilding in particular), or by overcooking in foods. The majority of these amino acids are very beneficial for your immune system.

Strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections

A regular intake of whey protein strengthens the immune system by supporting our white blood cells, whether it is the innate immune system (neutrophils, macrophages, NK/natural killers), which constitute the body's first line of defense against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, but also the adaptive or acquired immunity (T and B lymphocytes) which is more specific to a given pathogen and produces a memory for this infection (Ghezzi P 2011) (Morris D et al., 2013) (Muri J and Kopf M, 2021).

These cells need sulfur AAs like cysteine ​​and methionine for the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) in our body to function at its best and fight viruses and bacteria (Madureira AR et al. 2007) (Dröge and Breitkreutz, 2000). Improving GSH levels also regulates the oxidation state in all cells of our body, which also helps very significantly to prevent the replication of viruses like influenza, coronaviruses and other respiratory viruses (Geiler J et al., 2010) (Gallo V et al., 2022) and potentially to alleviate symptoms and improve survival (De Flora S et al., 1997) (Nencioni L et al., 2003).

Protein and AAs are also needed to produce immunoglobulins (antibodies which are proteins) that recognize viruses and bacteria and bind to them to stop infection in our cells. Our high quality whey protein concentrate is naturally rich in immunoglobulins (10-15% of total protein) that will be digested before reaching the bloodstream and organs, which will then receive the right ratio of AAs to produce and synthesize new immunoglobulins. Studies have shown that whey protein supplementation significantly increases immunoglobulin G levels (Bumrungpert A. et al., 2018).

Another mechanism by which whey proteins have a positive impact on immunity is through gut health. Whey is very rich in glutamic acid, which helps synthesize glutamine, which provides energy to intestinal cells. Indeed, it is necessary for an intestinal barrier to have tight junctions between its cells to be healthy and prevent pathogens or toxins from entering the bloodstream: if the intestine becomes permeable, a condition called “leaky gut,” these molecules and bacteria enter the bloodstream and can reach distant organs and cause inflammation, allergic reactions, and autoimmune responses (Nagpal R et al., 2017).

Additionally, AAs are also essential for maintaining a balanced gut microbiota (a mix of “good” and “bad” bacteria, fungi, and other pathogenic microorganisms) and approximately 70% of all our immune cells are located in the gut (Dai ZL et al., 2011). The reason for this is that it is essential for the body to process all pathogens present in the gut so that they do not enter the body. Additionally, over 80% of immunoglobulin-producing white blood cells (blasts and plasma cells) are located in the gastrointestinal tract, collectively called gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

Reduces inflammation, helps prevent chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers) and supports and improves detoxification processes

Decades of international research demonstrate that chronic inflammation is devastating to the health of the entire body, leading to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, neurological diseases, cancer and aging. Lifestyle factors involved in inflammation are prolonged imbalances in our dietary habits, lifestyle (smoking, stress) and environmental factors (pollution) that attack our cells through several biochemical reactions called oxidation. Oxidation of cells can be compared to the rusting of metals when exposed to oxygen. Prolonged oxidation (called “oxidative stress”) is associated with chronic inflammation and can lead to the onset of different pathologies ranging from simple disorders such as decreased skin quality, flu and colds, to more serious inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative and other diseases, as well as aging.

We all face oxidation and inflammation in our bodies; it is inevitable. However, we can control them, and one of the best ways to counteract them is to consume antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compounds from diet and supplements, as well as regular physical activity and stress management (Lesgards et al., 2002). Diet is certainly a crucial aspect in this area and adequate supplements such as whey and other quality antioxidants can be considered effective tools!

Reduces inflammation

With its exceptional richness in sulfur AAs (cysteine, methionine), Protelicious will boost the synthesis of glutathione (GSH), which is the main antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compound in the body and which regulates oxidative stress in all cells. GSH also regenerates other essential antioxidants such as vitamins E and C (provided by food) when they are oxidized (thanks to the enzyme dehydroascorbic acid/DHA reductase in the presence of GSH) and is itself regenerated by enzymes in our body (glutathione reductase) (Vašková, J et al., 2023).

Indeed, antioxidants such as vitamins, polyphenols/flavonoids present in fruits and vegetables and many supplements on the market can be beneficial in combating oxidation and aging, but they are consumed or "burned" when the body is in a state of oxidation and they are not regenerated (Lesgards et al., 2005).

The antioxidant and inflammatory components of quality whey help to neutralize these inflammatory processes (Lesgards et al., 2023). This also prevents and improves sarcopenia (muscle loss after age 65) which is also linked to chronic inflammation (Rieu I et al., 2006).

However, not all whey proteins are created equal in quality. Many commercial whey proteins available use industrial production processes that involve heating products at high temperatures for a given amount of time as well as treatment with strong acids and bases that are known to denature the proteins and potentially oxidize some of the AAs, decreasing their quality. Protelicious on the other hand, uses a cold ultrafiltration process that ensures that all of the AAs remain intact and bioavailable when consumed.

Improves detoxification processes

Improving the GSH content in cells is crucial to detoxify the body of thousands of toxic and aggressive compounds such as aldehydes, pesticides, heavy metals and endocrine disruptors.

GSH can be considered the body's best cleanser and is in fact very present in the liver, the great organ of detoxification. GSH has a natural affinity to bind these harmful molecules and the enzyme glutathione transferase increases it up to 600 times, ultimately promoting the elimination of these compounds in the urine.

Promotes gut health by maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier and regulating gut microbiota

Gentle on the stomach and intestines

The functioning of the gastrointestinal system is inseparable from the functioning of all the other organs of the body. Although we usually do not realize it, the intestine is a place of contact with the outside world that is more extensive than the skin or the lungs. In fact, the intestine has a much larger surface area: between 250 and 500 m2, much more than the skin (1.7 m2) and the lungs (140 m2 of exchange surface). It is larger than a tennis court (260 m2) and the length of the intestines is about 6 meters. Its job is difficult because it must not only prevent harmful pathogens and toxins from entering the body, but also allow food to enter the bloodstream, hence its importance as a possible source of health problems.

When the gastrointestinal system becomes damaged or inflamed, the body will have to use even more energy and resources to maintain a healthy gut and immune system. Over time, as the body's resources become depleted, the gastrointestinal immune system begins to malfunction, and eventually, the entire body's immune system experiences overall dysfunction. This results in frequent illnesses, asthma, eczema, and allergies.

Promotes gut health by maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier and regulating gut microbiota

Results from animal and human studies indicate the increasingly recognized and key role of dietary AAs in maintaining intestinal health and preventing intestinal diseases (Reed PJ, 2000).

Whey proteins strengthen the intestinal barrier (intestinal mucosa) with glutamic acid, which is essential for the synthesis of glutamine. This provides energy to the intestinal cells, as glutamine represents the majority of the energy generated in the small intestine along with glutamate and aspartate (Andrade ME et al., 2015) (Reed PJ, 2000).

The intestinal wall is lined with auricular structures called villi which are very well vascularized and where the passage of nutrients from the intestine to the bloodstream takes place. These villi are themselves covered with smaller structures of the same shape called microvilli which form a brush border and allow for this extraordinary exchange surface between the intestine and the bloodstream.

A healthy intestinal barrier where the junctions between cells are tightly sealed with each other is essential for maintaining good digestion and gastrointestinal health, keeping intestinal microbes, including potential pathogens and toxins out and preventing their entry into the bloodstream. In a normal, healthy intestinal membrane, transport across tight junctions is very limited, forcing most substances to pass through the cell to enter the bloodstream. Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, is a condition in which intestinal cells (carrying the microvilli) become damaged and lose their seal, causing undigested food particles, toxins, allergens, and bacteria to leak through the gut and into the bloodstream (Lee SH, 2015) (Valenzano MC et al., 2015). These molecules and bacteria once in the blood can reach distant organs and cause inflammation, allergic reactions and autoimmune responses (Nagpal R et al., 2017). In addition, glutamine with cysteine ​​for the synthesis of glutathione (GSH), neutralize oxidation and inflammation in the intestinal barrier (Wang J et al., 2008) (Mondello S et al., 2010) and therefore the passage of toxins and bacteria into the bloodstream (Benjamin J et al., 2012).

Overall, studies support the potential therapeutic benefit of glutamine, glutamate, arginine, glycine, lysine, threonine, and sulfur AAs in intestinal diseases (Wang W, 2009).

The major end products of methionine and cysteine ​​metabolism are GSH, homocysteine, and taurine, which play important roles in the intestinal immune response (Grimble 2006). (Bischoff SC et al., 2014). GSH in the intestinal lumen and intestinal cells (enterocytes) is critically important in maintaining normal intestinal function, in part by protecting epithelial cells from damage by oxidants and fatty acid hydroperoxides (Aw et al. 1992).

Amino acids are also essential for maintaining a balanced microbiota (a balanced mix of “good” and “bad” bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms), which is essential for immunity and overall health (Boscaini S et al., 2023).

The human body is home to a large number of microbes, including bacterial, fungal, and other microorganisms, which together make up our microbiota or microbiome. The gut microbiota, which is by far the richest in the body, is sometimes called the forgotten organ and weighs between 1 and 2 kg. (O'Hara AM and Shanahan F, 2006). We have approximately 100,000 billion (10 14 = 100,000,000,000,000) bacteria in our gut, which is comparable to the number of cells in our entire body.

Number of bacteria/g of intestinal content

This bacterial flora is essential when it is well regulated. Among the important roles of these bacteria are:

- fermentation of indigestible food residues

- participation in the synthesis of vitamin K (necessary for the blood clotting process) and in the absorption of calcium, magnesium and iron

- protection against exogenous microorganisms

- inhibition of the attachment and subsequent entry into the blood of pathogenic bacteria

- inhibition of the growth of pathogenic bacteria through the synthesis of antimicrobial substances

The intestinal microbiota also contains other cells (archaea and fungi) and viruses (Minot S et al., 2011) (Hoffmann C et al., 2013).

Improves the health of skin, hair and nails: production of keratin and collagen

Provides hydration and soothing effect, acts in synergy with cosmetic products

Improves the health of skin, nails and hair: production of keratin and collagen

Consuming whey protein provides AAs essential for the production of keratin and collagen which are key proteins in the structure of skin, nails and hair (health, strength and appearance).

Keratin is the major protein (80%) produced by keratinocytes, cells that make up 80 to 90% of the superficial layer of the skin epidermis, nails and hair. Cysteine ​​is particularly abundant in keratin and whey is a very good supplier of sulfur-containing amino acids: cysteine ​​and methionine.

Cysteine, together with methionine, is also one of the main constituents of hair, contributing to the formation of keratin for a quarter of the total (Labrozzi A et al., 2020). Cysteine ​​forms disulfide bridges (links between 2 cysteines by sulfur bond: RSSR), which provide strength and rigidity to keratin. Therefore, the use of mixtures enriched with cysteine ​​and methionine and proteins rich in cysteine ​​and methionine, promotes the repair of structural damage and slows down hair loss (Goluch-Koniuszy ZS, 2016) (Trüeb RM, 2009). Lysine is also important, mainly present in the inner part of the hair root and contributes to the shape and volume of the hair (Labrozzi A et al., 2020).

In addition, the intake of proteins and whey proteins, by stimulating the natural production of collagen and elastin in the dermis (under the epidermis), helps to make the skin firmer and less sagging. The quality of the dermis is essential, useful for thermoregulation, healing and detoxification of the skin.

Additionally, the face has over 50 muscles and whey concentrate is the best protein supplement to strengthen these muscles (Devries MC et al., 2015) and thus contribute to the firmness of facial muscles.

The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is where skin hydration occurs and where keratinocytes retain water. Thus, whey consumption, which supports keratin synthesis, has an impact on hydration and this has been demonstrated on atopic skin in clinical studies (Holvoet, S et al., 2021) (Bergandi L et al., 2022) (Alyasin S et al., 2012).

A quality whey intake can also improve the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory potential of the skin through the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) thanks to the sulfur AAs content of whey.

Thus, whey intake can act synergistically with topical cosmetics, especially for skin hydration and soothing, and is effective on atopic skin (Holvoet, S et al., 2021) (Bergandi L et al., 2022) (Alyasin S et al., 2012). In addition, whey-derived products are used to manufacture pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and skin care products (Mehra, R et al., 2021).

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Globally, several studies support the potential therapeutic benefit of glutamine, glutamate, arginine, glycine, lysine, threonine, and sulfur-containing AAs in intestinal diseases (Wang W, 2009).

The major end products of methionine and cysteine ​​metabolism are GSH, homocysteine, and taurine, which play important roles in the intestinal immune response (Grimble 2006). (Bischoff SC et al., 2014). GSH in the intestinal lumen and intestinal cells (enterocytes) is critically important in maintaining normal intestinal function, in part by protecting epithelial cells from damage by oxidants and fatty acid hydroperoxides (Aw et al. 1992).

Amino acids are also essential for maintaining a balanced microbiota (a balanced mix of “good” and “bad” bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms), which is essential for immunity and overall health (Boscaini S et al., 2023).

The human body is home to a large number of microbes, including bacterial, fungal, and other microorganisms, which together make up our microbiota or microbiome. The gut microbiota, by far the richest in the body, is sometimes called the forgotten organ and weighs between 1 and 2 kg. (O'Hara AM and Shanahan F, 2006). We have approximately 100 trillion (1014 = 100,000,000,000,000) bacteria in our gut, which is comparable to the number of cells in the entire body.