Casein and Caseinates
Did you know what made milk protein-rich? It’s family of related phosphoproteins called Casein that makes up around 80% of the protein content in milk. Other than milk, you will find it in human breast milk also, making up between 20% to 40% percent of protein in it. So it’s about time you start noticing the intake of casein in your body as people are slowly becoming more aware of it. Similarly, Caseinates are obtained by the neutralization of acid casein with alkali.
Future Prospects of Casein and Caseinates Global Market
According to Markntel Advisors study, “Casein and Caseinates Market: Forecast (2023-2028)”, increasing consumer awareness of dietary supplements with casein as an ingredient is making protein and vitality bars, caffeinated drinks and multivitamins with casein and Caseinates increasingly popular, as they fulfill individual nutritional requirements.
A Dive into What Are Casein and Caseinates
As mentioned, casein found in milk is a slow-digesting protein that takes a gel-like formation in one’s stomach, allowing a slow and steady release of amino acids into the bloodstream, which goes on for several hours. Now, Caseinates are soluble salts of acid casein, which are derived from casein only by separating the casein protein from other components of the milk. They are commonly used as ingredients in food and supplement products, including protein bars, powders, etc.
How Does Your Body Digest It?
After your intake, your stomach acids and enzymes break the casein down into smaller peptides, which are then broken down into even smaller pieces for digestion. Once they reach the small intestine, these peptides then get broken down into amino acids and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Here, since the breakdown is slow because of the structure of the proteins, the amino acid release takes hours. We are benefitted from the slow release of amino acids, providing us with a steady flow of nutrients into the body. The stable release of nutrients brings in many benefits, some of them as discussed below.
Benefits of Casein and Caseinates
Following are the numerous benefits and all the reasons Casein and Caseinates are getting popularly been adopted by nutrients enthusiast people and why they are getting all the hype these days with new recipes and products:
Helps in Muscle Mass Growth
Building muscle is difficult because, along with exercising, taking proper and rich nutrients is a must. Worry no more, as casein helps immensely in building muscle mass and helping you grow, despite the delayed absorption and release of amino acids. Moreover, when you would take it as a nighttime snack, it builds your muscles while you sleep. In fact, it is recommended to take it before night to reap better benefits. The gel-like formation in your stomach also facilitates muscle recovery and growth.
Also Helps in Bone Growth
Caseinates are a rich source of calcium, meaning you will eventually enjoy more muscular bone strength and teeth. Moreover, it also reduces the risk of osteoporosis, a bone disease that develops with a decrease in bone mineral density and bone mass or with a change in the structure or strength of bone, increasing the risk of fractures. Increasing bone density may help you recover from bone injury or strengthen your bones without you knowing about it.
Decreased Hunger and Improved Satiety
As you may know, dairy proteins are beneficial to reduce diet and feeling full when required. Similarly, casein helps you feel full for a more extended period of time. The slower rate of digestion facilitates by the gel-like formation in the stomach.
Beneficial Nutrients
Caseins add majorly to milk, its healthy nutrients. Thus it is a highly profitable nutrient source, as casein itself is a high-quality protein that contains amino acids your body would require and benefit from for multiple purposes. It is also rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which also add to muscle growth and recovery.
Easy Incorporation in Your Daily Diet
The supplements having caseins are very easy to add to your daily diet. They can act as a snack or a meal when needed and can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, and many other recipes. Moreover, Caseinates could be used as a standalone protein source or can be used with different types of proteins like whey and help your intake of a balanced protein blend.
Other than the ones mentioned above, other beneficial properties of casein and Caseinates include regulating blood sugar levels. Yes, you read it right; you should indeed adopt it into your diet if you face such issues or have a family history of diabetes or unnecessary fluctuations. It would also help repair your broken-down muscle fibers after completing your workout and sleeping.
Without Further Ado
The protein would benefit you best when you regularly intake it. But if you are prone to allergic reactions or may have lactose intolerance, it is best to discuss it first with your dietician about which form of the nutrient would be beneficial for you. Caseins are your sidekick in your journey to build your body, maintain a healthy body weight, and improve bone health.
