How Whey Protein Can Help You Get Lean

By Karen Ansel, M.S., R.D., "Whey Leaner," July/August 2011

New research shows that whey protein can give you an extra edge if you’re trying to lose weight.

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Howard Shertzer, Ph.D., the study’s lead researcher and a professor of molecular toxicology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, hypothesizes that whey protein is beneficial because its unique combination of amino acids (protein building blocks) may block fat from being metabolized and so prevent some fat from being stored and weight gained. The extra amino acids also helped build muscle.

To incorporate whey protein into your diet in an amount equivalent to what the mice got, you’d likely have to take a supplement (such as protein powders or whey-based protein bars). To get some whey protein naturally, go with ricotta, milk and yogurt, all good sources.—Karen Ansel, M.S., R.D.