Whey protein and whey isolate are both healthy for your body, particularly for your muscles. Whether or not you would choose whey protein over whey isolate or otherwise would depend on a lot of factors. There is a substantial difference between whey protein and whey isolate. Both are proteins but their content, nutritional value and the manner in which the two are produced are also different. Before looking at the difference between whey protein and whey isolate in regards to nutritional value and which one is better, it is necessary to note the difference between their composition and manner of production.
What is Whey Protein
Whey protein is the translucent liquid in milk that you would spot when you make yogurt or churn milk or cream into butter. Even if you are making cheese, you would notice a milky white liquid that is drained out from the solidified milk. This is whey protein. The reason why whey protein is being widely spoken of is because it is one of the best proteins around. There are many types of amino acids, as you may be aware. Although all amino acids are forms of protein, still not every one of them would contribute equally to muscle development. Whey protein contributes the most towards muscle development. Most bodybuilders, athletes, fitness enthusiasts and dieters would consume whey protein instead of other protein rich foods because you can develop the best muscles with it.
Whey isolate is a version of whey protein wherein the lactose and carbohydrates are being removed from whey protein. The milky white liquid that is known as whey protein contains lactose and carbohydrates or sugar. When the lactose content and carbohydrates are drained out or extracted out of whey protein, it is known as whey protein isolate or whey isolate.
Nutritional Variations
The nutritional difference between whey protein and whey isolate is that the former contains more carbohydrates and thus energy while the latter contains more protein. In other words, whey isolate is more concentrated protein.
Whey protein is good for those who intend to have instant energy and want to develop muscles. Protein is not the best source of energy but carbohydrates is which whey protein contains. Besides, carbohydrates are required for the ready absorption of protein or amino acids by the muscles. Whey isolate is ideal for those who need protein but are lactose intolerant and also for those who are very cautious about their weight and do not want to consume carbohydrates in any form.