Have you heard about the whey protein present naturally in the milk? People commonly use it as a supplement to aid in improving muscle protein synthesis and promote the growth of lean muscle mass. However, many people using it as a supplement are not aware of its benefits and its profile. This article will let you know more about this protein and its components.
Role of the protein in taking care of your health
beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, and immunoglobins together contribute to the formation of whey protein which is deemed responsible for providing the benefits of weight loss, improving the immunity system and lowering the cholesterol. The alpha lactalbumin powder used as the supplement is a rich source of the amino acid tryptophan and cysteine.
The protein alpha-lactalbumin is small that forms part of the lactose synthase enzyme and therefore can be found in all milks. It is the second most abundant protein found in whey with a molecular weight of 14kDa. This protein is found to be a rich source of tryptophan for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin. The protein is also associated with the sleep improvement and enhanced alertness. If you are still not convinced with the magic this protein holds then further reading of the article will satisfy you well.
Soul of the milk
The alpha-lactalbumin protein possess anti-carcinogenic activity. It has been well known for exhibiting the properties of reducing the cell division, persuading apoptosis in cancer cell lines of mammals, and also has been used recently as a carrier for vitamin D enrichment in food products. This protein has been called the soul of the milk in this article because it helps in improving the sensory quality, shelf life and functionality of milk.
The major biological role of this protein is in the synthesis of lactose in the mammary gland responsible for facilitating milk production and disseminating energy in the newborn. The alpha lactalbumin powder is used in the manufacturing of food products for infants or used as the supplements for those who want to have protein-fortified beverages and nutrition bars. It serves as one of the dominating proteins in human milk as well comprising up to 25% of the total protein found in human breast milk. From physiological to immunological standpoints the protein serves many important functions. It functions as a galactosyltransferase co-enzyme in lactose synthesis. Another use of this protein’s powder is to have relaxation feeling and induce sleep. Furthermore, the ability of the protein to form nanotubes during hydrolysis and self-assembly makes it a green candidate to be employed as nanocarriers especially in the food industries as well as in pharmaceutical industries as bioactive and drug molecules beta-lactoglobulin benefits . In a nutshell, the milk you got to drink since childhood had the proteins which is still used as a powder in the manufacture of protein bars and drinks to supply that nutrient in abundance for those who need to build their body want to boost up their body with the energy the protein has!