100% Whey Protein Isolate
When the goal is gains, you have to keep your protein intake in check. Whey protein can get confusing and often times protein powder claims are misleading. 100% Whey Protein Isolate, Isolate Loaded, Isolate Based, and the list goes on.
What does 100% Whey Isolate Mean?
100% Isolate means that all of the protein powder is the highest quality whey protein on the market. Whey Isolate has a 90% purity, meaning that each scoop of protein has 90% protein and 10% fats and carbs. Whey protein can vary from 34% all the way to 90%, so having the 100% before the whey isolate title means it's all isolate. When you see terms like the above "whey isolate loaded" that means it's the primary source of whey protein, but not the sole source. Often times this products are a little bit less expensive, but not necessarily a lower quality. 100% isolate will be super fast digesting and absorbing which is ideal to put on muscle size and strength after resistance training.
Just because a product is 100% isolate protein doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best product and similarly, just because a product is 100% whey doesn't mean it is an isolate product. Good quality products are manufactured in a gmp certified facility with the highest quality standards and may even be informed choice certified.
The top two 100% isolate products are Dymatize ISO 100 and NutraBio 100% Whey Protein Isolate (very original name). Typically those going for the highest quality taste and purity choose NutraBio as they are produced to the highest standards for manufacturing within the supplement industry and are very open about it.
Hydrolyzed 100% Whey Protein Isolate takes it a little further. Hydrolyzation is the process of breaking the amino acids in the protein down to di and tri peptides for faster absorption and easier digestion. There are different degrees of hydrolyzation and most companies don't disclose the amount it's hydrolyzed, therefore we find this claim more marketing than merit.
How Healthy is 100% Whey Protein Isolate?
This is a great question. The macro nutrient make-up of whey isolate is the
most friendly of the whey protein options. It has the least amount of fat and carbs. Although the protein source itself is uniquely clean, brands may add back in fats, carbs, salts, and other ingredients to add flavor, texture, or for other reasons. Just because a product is 100% isolate, doesn't necessarily make it the healthiest. You still need to look at the label to analyze what else may be added into the product.
When Can You Take 100% Whey Isolate Protein?
Isolates are very macro friendly and can be taken with a meal, between meals, before a workout, or after a workout. Isolates are light on the stomach due to the removing of excess carbohydrates, fat, and lactose so they won't weight you down before or after workouts