Whey v. Soy Protein

Whey products have, for some time, maintained their position as the “go to” in protein supplementation – whey is the biggest selling protein supplement by far, due to the powerful anabolic effect it exerts on muscle growth.

Whey is thought to contain the perfect combination of muscle-building amino-acids (the building blocks of protein) and enhance the immune system. It has also shown a rapid utilization capacity, for maximum protein absorption by the muscles (making it perfect as a post-workout drink).

Personally speaking, if I go without my post workout whey protein, my recovery time is much slower, I don’t sleep as well, and later in the day, I experience “brain fog”.  I have also noticed my muscle definition is greater when I am consistent with my whey protein intake early morning, as well as after my workout.

If you are working-out on a consistent basis I highly recommend (if you’re not already) being diligent with drinking a protein supplement, post workout at the very least. The simplest way to put it is your muscles are in absolute need of restoring proteins back in your body.

Every human body is different, and will react differently to the countless choices we have in whey protein supplements. Whey vs Soy for instance can be a tricky game of what’s best for you. Some may find (me included) a whey protein that isn’t ISOLATE will wreak havoc on their gut, while others have no issues to it at all.

Soy Protein, much derided in bodybuilding circles as a “feminizing” compound (which, as such, is thought to make it harder to gain muscles), has received a lot of negative press over recent years, but recent studies have suggested soy to be as effective, if not more so, than whey in terms of its ability to promote gains in lean muscle mass. If you can tolerate soy, this may be a great choice for you.

Used together in an exercise regimen, soy and whey proteins complement each other well. Whey protein, as mentioned, is high in branched chain amino acids, used as an important energy source by the body during exercise, while soy protein has high amounts of the amino acids arginine and glutamine.

I have found both Stronger Faster Healthier (SFH) Whey Protein, and Integrated Isolate Protein to be the cleanest, and most effective whey protein supplements. SFH can be found at CFRR, Whole Foods, or Online.

Integrated Isolate Whey Protein on Amazon

I have found Optimum Nutrition 100% Soy Protein to rank as one of the highest recommended soy proteins.

Whether you choose Whey or Soy for your protein supplement, each of the protein sources will result in the desired affect of increasing lean body mass. In addition, there was no difference between the supplement sources on changes in testosterone levels, which is an important key to most women.

Simply put…. Whey protein digests more quickly, while soy protein digests more gradually.