What makes Milk Proteins better than its counterparts

The entire protein component of milk contains various kinds of proteins. Among them, the primary one is the caseins. Basically, there are about 3-4 caseins present in most of the species of milk. Different caseins contain distinct and different molecules but are quite similar regarding the structure. Other proteins found in the milk are grouped under the term whey proteins.

The main whey proteins present in the cow’s milk are alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin. In addition, the main milk protein which includes the caseins like a-lactalbumin and ß-lactoglobulin get synthesized in the mammary epithelial cells.

From here it is produced only in the mammary gland.  Furthermore, the serum albumin and immunoglobulin present in the milk is not synthesized either by the epithelial cells.  The composition of proper amino acids is present in caseins. This is significant for the development and growth of nursing young ones. Now this high-quality protein found in the cow’s milk is one of the major reasons why milk is one of the necessary human foods.

Why should you use it?

The best quality of milk protein is that it is a great anti-catabolic. So, it means milk protein can help in preventing any kind of muscle-tissue breakdown. Now this is quite necessary at times when the human body is not getting the necessary calories (especially at the night).

One of the common precautions is to have a protein drink just before you hit the sack. This is a phenomenal idea, however, in order to derive the best benefits you need to make sure the execution is proper. There are various research showing that drinking whey protein based (isolate, hydrolysed or concentrated) will get digested immediately. So, what happens is that it will make the body starved for several hours.

Who should use it?

Milk protein can be used by any person who is not allergic to dairy proteins. There are various sports athletics and gym fanatics who consume milk proteins as they need an adequate quantity of protein. It is fine for those individuals who want to supplement their protein intake.

The proteins present in milk is quite useful especially when –

• You are going to start a new exercise program and building muscles
• When you are going to increase the intensity of your workout
• If you are a vegan (who consumes dairy) and is not getting enough quantity of proteins from the food.

Know its variants

Customarily, milk proteins are classified into whey proteins, caseins, and minor proteins. The proteins which are present on the surface of enzymes and fat globules are of the minor protein group. In addition, the synonym for all kinds of milk-serum protein is termed as whey protein, however, it can be reserved for the proteins present in whey which is created from the cheese-making procedure.

Besides the milk-serum proteins, the whey protein contains multiple fragments of the casein molecules which are split-off while renneting the cheese milk. Even there are certain milk-serum proteins which are available in lower concentrations when compared to the original milk. This occurs because of the heat denaturation while the milk is pasteurized before the cheese-making procedure.

Primarily the three main variants of milk proteins are distinguished by their varying behavior and the kind of existence.

Dosages

You can either consume milk proteins in the form of milk. In that case, you can take it along with your normal breakfast cereals, baked goods, baby food, cakes, biscuits, crackers, chocolates and the list goes on.

Also, you do get milk protein tablets which need to be consumed as per the guidance of doctors and health experts.

Best Results

For getting the best results, you need to consume milk proteins directly. If you are planning to consume milk protein in powder format, then you need to have it before a workout, after a workout and before going to bed or consume it first thing in the morning.

Always keep in mind that each of the nutritional requirements of individuals will vary based on body weight, gender, exercising, the level of activity, duration and intensity of the training. Therefore, it means that you must ensure that milk protein is a part of your well-balanced diet which contains other protein sources and whole food.

Conclusion

The caseins present in milk protein become stable while heating. Also, the HTST (High-Temperature Short-Time) pasteurization will not be harmful to the nutritional and functional aspects of casein proteins. However, high temperature treatments will lead to interactions among whey and casein proteins which can ultimately affect the functional as well as nutritional aspects of milk.

In short, if you are planning to add milk protein to your diet, try to do extensive research before making the decision. Sometimes your body can reject certain nutrients and proteins, so it is better if you start by taking the small dosage at a time and then slowly increasing.