Due to its’ exceptional richness in sulfur amino acids (cysteine and methionine) compared to other sources of proteins like vegetable protein concentrates, the boost of the synthesis of GSH (glutathione), the master antioxidant in the body, will fight this oxidative and inflammatory state (Bounous G and Gold P, 1991).

Protelicious whey protein concentrate is cold filter processed so,therefore, our whey retains all of the vital essential amino acids which are often damaged due to the application of heat (either via standard processing methods or cooking). The majority of these amino acids are highly beneficial for our immune system.

A primary function of amino acids is to reinforce and support our white blood cells (lymphocytes), which are our bodys’ first line of defence against pathogens (Lodoen, M. and Lanier, L., 2006). Our lymphocytes require specific amino acids in order to function optimally; sulfur amino acids (cysteine, methionine), glutamine and leucine – Protelicious has them all in abundance! Sulfur amino acids work to synthesize a molecule called glutathione (GSH), which enables our white blood cells to identify and destroy harmful bacteria before they infiltrate and infect our body (Dröge and Breitkreutz, 2000).

Secondly, White blood cells  produce immunoglobulins (antibodies) that recognise viruses and bacteria and bind to them to prevent their entry (infection) in our cells. Whey is naturally rich in immunoglobulins (10-15 % of total proteins) so even if these proteins are digested before reaching our blood and our organs, they will bring to the body a ratio of AA’s to help white blood cells produce and synthesize new immunoglobulins. Studies have indeed shown that whey protein supplementation significantly increased immunoglobulins G levels (Bumrungpert A, et al., 2018). When our white blood cells are working efficiently they are able to better identify and destroy harmful bacteria and viruses.

Another powerful benefit of cold-filtration processed whey is its  antioxidant/anti-inflammatory potential. During a viral infection, the body experiences increased oxidation caused by aggressive molecules which contain oxygen; called “reactive oxygen species (ROS)”: this produces a status called oxidative stress, often associated with excessive inflammation.

A fourth mechanism by which whey proteins and some amino acids, like glutamine in particular can improve our immune system, is via improved gut health. It does this by protecting the intestinal membrane and bacteria balance (a mix of “good” and “bad” or pathogenic bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms) in the gut.

Dr. Jean-Francois Lesgards PhD. Researcher and scientific adviser in Biochemistry and Health. Inflammatory diseases and associated nutritional and environmental factors.

Prolonged imbalances in our food habits, lifestyle (smoke, stress) and environmental factors (pollution) assault our cells by several biochemical reactions called oxidation. Oxidation of cells can be compared to metals rusting when exposed to oxygen. Prolonged oxidation (called oxidative stress) and associated chronic inflammation together can cause the onset of different pathologies that go from simple disorders like; a decrease in skin quality, flu & colds, to more serious inflammatory diseases like; cardiovascular disease, cancer, neuro-degenerative diseases and others, as well as aging.

We all experience oxidation in our bodies, it’s unavoidable, however we can fight it – and one of the best ways to fight it is with the natural antioxidant producing amino acids found in grass fed, cold filtration processed whey protein.

Antioxidants found in vitamins, polyphenols/flavonoids present in fruit & vegetables and many supplements on the market can be beneficial in fighting against oxidation and aging BUT they are consumed or “burned” during oxidation and not regenerated.

Your amazing body can make its own master antioxidant if you give it the right nutrition. This master antioxidant is called Glutathione (GSH). The functional systems of the body can synthesize GSH using amino acids that make up proteins. However, 3 of the necessary amino acids for making GSH are heat/cooking sensitive, so because most of the regular sources of protein are cooked prior to consumption, these amino acids degrade and are not usable by the body.

Dr. Jean-Francois Lesgards PhD. Researcher and scientific adviser in Biochemistry and Health. Inflammatory diseases and associated nutritional and environmental factors.

The liver is the big “cleaner” of your body and this is in major part thanks to the high amount of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in hepatic (liver) cells. GSH is not only the master antioxidant but can also be considered the best scavenger in the body. This means it detoxifies the body from thousands of toxic compounds such as aldehydes, pesticides, heavy metals and endocrine disruptors that end up in our bodies due to the food we eat, the air we breath and other environmental factors.

Furthermore, diets rich in sugar and fats produce a high amount of inflammatory compounds through digestion that deplete GSH cell content. To replenish our liver GSH pool, our body needs the precursors for the synthesis of this GSH, in particular sulfur amino acids (AAs) like cysteine and methionine. Luckily, Protelicious contains all the right amino acids to help our bodies make the all important glutathione (GSH) – giving us a completely natural detoxifier to keep our bodies  functioning properly.

Dr. Jean-Francois Lesgards PhD. Researcher and scientific adviser in Biochemistry and Health. Inflammatory diseases and associated nutritional and environmental factors.

Proteins, or amino acids, are key components of muscles and bones. They maintain muscle tissue and are required for muscle growth and repair, especially after exercise. Moreover, protein actually makes up roughly 50% of our bone volume and around one-third of our bone mass (Wallace, 2019). As such, amino acids are very important in order to maintain the strength of bones and muscles.

In order to maintain the effective function of various systems within the body, our muscles must be taken care of, especially in our later years to prevent sarcopenia. There is growing evidence which reports that the intake of whey protein supports muscle growth and repair whilst preventing muscle breakdown, due to the rich concentration of amino acids (Hulmi, Lockwood and Stout, 2010). Both essential and non-essential amino acids are important for muscle health. However, manyost studies report essential amino acids being superior in this regard, particularly leucine (Fujita and Volpi, 2011).

Our bones are continuously being metabolised through the cycle of bone formation and resorption, the equilibrium of which ensures that bone is not over-synthesised or over-mineralised (ALPCO, u.d). As amino acids are key components of our bone structure, an adequate supply is required to support this equilibrium and prevent it from swaying either way. The overproduction of bone can lead to the disorder known as Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), whilst the over-mineralisation of bone can lead to conditions such as rickets (in children), osteopenia and eventually, osteoporosis (in older adults).

In order to prevent degenerative bone and muscle conditions, we must strive to achieve optimal muscle and bone health (i.e peak lean body and bone mass, bone mineral density) by ensuring we consume enough  high-quality protein on a daily basis.

Whey protein is a prime example of a high-quality protein, as it has the highest amino acid content amongst all animal-based protein sources. Moreover, whey protein contains high levels of all 9 essential amino acids, which cannot be synthesised by the body. Studies have shown that the intake of amino acids, specifically essential amino acids, is associated with a higher bone mineral density (Jennings A. et al, 2016) and improved lean muscle mass (indicative of bone and muscle health).

However, not all whey protein is created equal. Many commercial whey proteins available use industrialised production processes which involve heating at high temperatures. Such processes denature proteins, thereby diminishing their function and ability to fulfil their purpose. 

Protelicious is made using a cold filtration process which ensures all amino acids remain intact and bioavailable upon reaching the consumer – ensuring bone and muscle strength.

Dr. Jean-Francois Lesgards PhD. Researcher and scientific adviser in Biochemistry and Health. Inflammatory diseases and associated nutritional and environmental factors.

Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability is a condition in which intestinal cells become damaged and lose their tightness, causing undigested food particles, toxins, allergens and bacteria to leak through the intestine and pass into the bloodstream. These molecules and bacteria, once in the blood, can reach other organs and cause inflammation, allergic reactions and auto-immune responses leading to many other ailments and issues within the body. Good health starts in the gut and it’s important to take care of the intestinal system as it’s a gateway to keeping other internal systems healthy.

Studies have already shown that whey can improve leaky gut and decrease inflammation. Protelicious is rich in glutamic acid, an amino acid that can easily be converted by the body into glutamine. Glutamine is a molecule that participates in the regeneration of intestinal cells and intestine health & digestion. Antioxidants like glutathione (produced by the body with glutamic acid) also contribute to the health of intestinal cells and help heal leaky gut by protecting the cells junctions thus avoiding or decreasing the passage of toxic and allergenic molecules into the bloodstream.

Dr. Jean-Francois Lesgards PhD. Researcher and scientific adviser in Biochemistry and Health. Inflammatory diseases and associated nutritional and environmental factors.

Protein plays a fundamental role in our hormone level production - including mood and sleep. 

Every minute of every day, hormones are at work for sending messages throughout our bodies. Hormones are synthesised by the body using the amino acids. Meeting your daily protein requirement (at least 1 g/kg of body weight) is essential for all aspects of our health and wellbeing.

Sleep quality, mood & stress responses are some of very key characteristics regulated by hormones in our bodies. Two very important and specific hormones for these functions are serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is the “happy” hormone that regulates stress response and mood. Melatonin is necessary to reach and maintain proper sleep cycles. Fatigue and stress can lead to many other illnesses and cause inflammatory reactions in the body but can easily be minimised with the correct protein intake so that our bodies get the right amino acids necessary to naturally create serotonin and melatonin.

So, how can we make sure our bodies can make serotonin and melatonin? The key is the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is the precursor of the formation of these two hormones. However, it is unfortunately less common than other amino acids in food proteins because tryptophan denatures when heated. Luckily, Protelicious whey protein has a very high concentration of the amino acid tryptophan in comparison to many other sources of proteins.

Dr. Jean-Francois Lesgards PhD. Researcher and scientific adviser in Biochemistry and Health. Inflammatory diseases and associated nutritional and environmental factors.