Whey Protein and Cancer

With the constant rising death rate of cancer patients, it is important as a consumer to question what goes into your body and if it can cause cancer. Although genetics can play a major role in developing cancer, there are many preventative methods to practice to make the risk less likely, and informing yourself is just one. Cancer is very painful, emotionally draining and very costly. So, does whey protein cause cancer? No. Can whey protein help fight it? Yes.

There is a huge battle against cancer that oncologists, epidemiologists and the drug industry constantly fight every day. They not only try to fight the disease, but also help improve the quality of life of the cancer patients. To help the cancer patients, alternative medicines are commonly used. Even more so, natural drugs, including whey protein, have been brought to the table.

Whey protein supplements help to build muscle mass, increase energy level and strengthen the immune system. Athletes, body builders and health enthusiasts all use whey protein to help them in their pursuits. It also strengthens the host response against disease causing microorganisms, and regulates blood lipid levels and metabolism.

There have been many animal models of cancer induced to show the effects of whey protein and cancer. Dimenthylhdyrazine causes cancer by damaging DNA. Whey protein works to prevent this reaction when added to the normal diet of rats. The tumor cells were significantly reduced. When compared to other types of protein, like soy or casein, whey protein is far more effective. Whey protein even helps to prevent breast cancer in low concentrations.

The research done in regards to the connection of whey protein and cancer has caused us to learn how the active component, glutathione, works to help with cancer. This is an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals such as reactive oxygen that can cause cancer. Glutathione also helps to protect normal cells from damage during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. All of these positive effects of whey protein supplementation help to add to the many benefits of whey protein.