The Many Health Benefits of Whey Protein.

To all my Friends on CureZone:

I've been meaning to post this message for
some time. The inquiries by two of the CZ
regulars (just beneath this message), about whether whey protein causes mucus-buildup in
the body, inspired my response.

I've been eating whey protein for about 15 years. I mix two heaping teaspoonfuls in my
mid-morning juice. So far, I've never had any
problem with mucus.

BUT I eat a variety of whey protein that does
NOT contain any lactose sugar. Many of the whey protein products sold to bodybuilders,
contain as much as 70 percent lactose sugar.
So if anything I say in this message, resonates with you, MAKE SURE you buy a whey
protein that is either lactose-free, or has
less than 5 percent. Don't forget that!

The problem with lactose, is that most humans
can't digest it. We lack the enzyme that dissolves lactose. This deficiency is known
as "lactose intolerance," and causes much
pain and suffering all across the world.

Much of the information I'm going to pass along to you, comes from the April, 2005 newsletter of Doctor David Williams. David
is one of the most highly respected Natural
Health Physicians. I trust him implicitly.

All 8 pages of that April newsletter are devoted to the health benefits of whey protein; It's the only time I've ever seen him
focus on just one subject. I found it tremendously reassuring to find out that one
of my long-used foods, whey protein, was
truly valuable in ways unknown to me. I'll
quote from David Williams quite often as I go
along.

"Whey is the translucent liquid that separates
from the curd, when milk coagulates during the
cheese-making process. The majority of its
benefits are attributed to the dense content
of high-quality protein compounds. Whey is one
of the most complete and and biologically
active forms of protein available. It contains
all of the essential amino acids, as well as
additional amino acids."

Here are 10 reasons why I think you should
consider incorporating whey protein into your
diet:

1) Whey protein is anti-microbial and anti-viral. A half-dozen of its components, including lactoferrin, have been shown to inhibit the growth of a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, yeast, and protozoa, including E. coli.

2) Whey protein enhances the immune system,
"and stimulates the development of the thymus
gland. The regular use of whey protein can
help your body ward off everything from the
flu to cancer."

Whey protein has a very high content of sulfur-containing amino acids, which your body
uses to make glutathione, a much-needed nutrient. Doctor Williams says that "The
body's level of glutathione is a pretty good
indicator of overall health, and the ability
of your immune system to fight off disease,
and counter the effects of aging."

Whey also contains blood proteins called
immunogloblins, which build and strengthen
the immune system. Colostrum, the first breast-milk, contains the greatest concentrations of these compounds, and helps
to create the baby's immune system.

Lactoferrin, mentioned above, actually stimulates the growth of new immune cells.
Additionally, when given to patients prior to
surgery, the lactoferrin in whey protein,
reduces post-surgical complications. I suggest
you make a note of that, since you're bound to
know someone who will soon have surgery.

3) Whey protein inhibits some kinds of cancers. It is rich in Conjugated Linolic Acid
(CLA), which helps protect us from chemically-
induced cancers. Another nutrient in whey
helps to prevent colon cancer.

Doctor Williams also cites a very interesting
human study, involving whey protein. For six
months, 20 men and women who were suffering
from terminal, Stage IV cancer, were given
whey protein, along with other good nutritional foods and drinks. At the end of
six months, 16 of those people were still alive. I doubt that would have been true,
had the patients opted for more chemo and
radiation.

4) Whey protein has cardio-vascular benefits.
A combination of components in whey protein,
stimulates lower blood pressure and vascular
relaxation, without any nasty side effects.
"Other proteins in whey, reduce the stickiness
of blood platelets, and the risk of thrombosis, which can cause heart attacks and
strokes. Whey also reduces high levels of LDL
cholesterol and triglycerides, and increases
HDL cholesterol (the 'good' one)."

5) Whey protein helps reduce stress. In a study in the Netherlands, 29 "stress-vulnerable" people were given whey protein.
The researchers found that cortisol, a stress-
inducing hormone, was reduced in each patient.
The 29 participants experienced less depression, and showed an improved ability to
cope with their environment. The whey protein
increased levels of serotonin in the brain,
which helped reduce stress and promote calmer
moods.

Whey protein also contains significant amounts of glycine, the most common amino acid. Glycine has a proven track-record at
calming the nervous sytem, helping to control
epilepsy, decreasing the symptoms of schizophrenia, and helping to control acute
panic attacks.

6) Whey protein helps promote wound-healing,
inside and outside the body. The glycine in
whey protein helps your body to repair tissue,
and heal wounds. Additionally, it contains two
growth factors which accelerate wound-healing
in the intestinal tract. Whey protein also
helps prevent the stomach and intestines from
stress-induced ulcers.

7)Whey protein inhibits osterporosis, and
promotes bone-growth. The lactoferrin in whey
protein increases the production of new bone
tissue, and protects against bone-breakown.
If you eat some whey protein every day, do
weight-bearing exercises, and receive adequate amounts of other vitamins and minerals, chances are good that you'll avoid
the hip-fractures which plague so many older
people in America.

8) Whey protein helps the good bacteria in your intestinal tract, to multiply in number
and become more dominant. However, you should
still take a good probiotic capsule or tablet
with each meal. The whey and the probiotic,
work together.

9) Whey protein reduces iflammation and destroys pathogens. The lactoferrin in whey,
binds with free-iron in your system, and
removes it. Whey contains nutrients which act
as anti-oxidants, and remove unwanted metals
and toxins. This lowers the oxidative burden
on your immune system.

10) Whey protein reduces hunger pangs. Most
body-builders have learned that whey protein
helps them gain pounds of lean muscle. It also
helps overweight people lose excess fat.

There are peptides in whey protein which help
regulate appetite. These peptides help reduce
the secretion of excess stomach acid, and provide relief for those who suffer from acid
reflux.

The peptides also stimulate both the pancreas
and gallbladder to improve digestion. Additionally, these peptides signal the brain
that your body is FULL; that no more food is
needed. Every drug company in the world is
trying to duplicate, artificially, what whey
protein does naturally.

I buy my whey protein from Whole Foods Market.
Their 365 brand is lactose-free. A 1 lb
cannister costs around $11.00.

Doctor Williams also recommends a product called Designer Whey Protein, which contains
just 3 percent lactose. I used it for almost
a year, and found it to be a very good product. You can buy it from Nutrition Express. A 2 lb container costs around $20.00.
Their website is: www,nutritionexpress.com
and their order line is 1-800-338-7979.

This has been a LONG post, and I thank you for
staying with me! The regulars at CZ know that
I would never tout any food or supplement,
which I hadn't used for a long time. Whey
protein works for me. If you're willing to give it a try, I think it might work for you,
too. Trust your intuition.

Blessings,

Owen

Http://owen.curezone.com/