One of the most common debates among fitness enthusiasts is what type of supplement will give you the best possible results. Whey and casein are two of the most favored dietary supplements consumed by those who indulge in training regimes regularly. But just before you start picking sides in the ongoing war casein versus whey, you should probably get all the facts straight. While they are perceived as quite similar, these two supplements actually have different properties and thus produce different effects on the body. These are some basic information regarding whey and casein supplements that will perhaps help you get the best understanding of what they are and how they function:
Whey
Most people have an aversion towards supplements and perceive them as drugs or additives that are harmful and dangerous. While there are certain supplements that can be perceived as hazardous, that is not the case with whey. Quite simply whey represents a by-product of cheese production. One-fifth of milk actually consists of whey, meaning it is packed with essential minerals and nutrients for the human body.
There are common fallacies regarding the dangers of whey supplements, especially in women. Contrary to popular belief whey supplements will not give you a masculine look or cause bones loss and kidney failure. Of course, women who are going through pregnancy should avoid these supplements as high-levels of protein in the body might be harmful for the baby.
Whey is also considered a fast-digesting protein and it is known to increase the level of amino acids in the body and promotes muscle repair. This is why this supplement represents a great post-workout addition to your meals.
Casein
While there are certain similarities between the two supplements like high levels of amino acids and calcium, casein functions a bit differently than whey. It does hold many health benefits such as improved bone structure and higher energy levels, but casein is not considered to be a fast-digesting protein like whey. Of course this has its benefits as well.
Casein is mostly recommended to be taken before sleep as it has the ability to repair your muscles during these periods of rest. These fitness supplements are also known to have greater muscle retention, promote colon health and is perceived as one of the highest quality protein on the market. Casein supplements are also recommend for those willing to lose a few pounds, as the key to weight loss is hidden in finding a good balance between calcium and protein intake. This is where casein comes in as it gives you a maximum boost of both these essential nutrients making it that much easier to stay lean.
So in the matter of casein vs. whey it seems like there are no absolute winners. These two supplements affect your body differently and while they are quite similar the best way to use them is to find a perfect balance between the two and use them accordingly. Consume your whey supplements pre and post your workout to supply the damaged muscles with necessary nutrients and use casein before bed to build muscle or as a substitute snack to quench hunger.
