Whey is not a recent discovery, not even its usefulness in building muscle. It is not clear when the serum was first used, but it is well documented that Hippocrates (4th century BC) used the serum extensively for its natural healing qualities, particularly in the treatment of liver disease and gout. In the Roman Empire, the whey was used after lavish banquets to relieve the resulting indigestion. Roman women used this natural product as an internal and external treatment for “milk and honey skin”.

At the beginning of the 16th century, the alchemist Paracelsus was an ardent devotee of the serum and suggested its multiple use for treatment as often as possible. Since then, the serum was widely used by aristocracies in Europe and was a popular means of preventing gout, treating digestive problems, and as a natural cosmetic for skin treatment. But it wasn’t until after World War II that science became interested in investigating the nutritional properties of whey protein, which has now become a bodybuilder’s favorite fast food.

As we live in an “Instant Gratification” society where the mantra “I want it now” and “I want it bigger” rule, the nutrition industry has been quick to exploit this trend. A huge selection of oversized containerized whey products beckon from every gym and dietary supplement store shelf, and reading and understanding the labels poses an enormous challenge for non-artisans.

We can certainly believe that neither Hippocrates nor Paracelsus would recognize, much less recommend or use any of today’s Body Builder Serums. Natural, unprocessed, unadulterated whey is hard to come by in the United States, but is quite common in Europe. It naturally contains around 11% protein and 75% carbohydrates, abundant minerals (rich in highly absorbable calcium) and amino acids.

But for the much-sought “instant muscle,” athletes asked for higher protein content, and the industry was happy to offer it. Whey protein content can be increased ad libitum through a relatively simple molecular filtration process; but of course concentrated protein comes at a price, as a higher percentage of protein lowers the percentages of the other nutrients.

So the whey in high potency bodybuilding formulas boasts huge protein concentrations of up to 95%! However, the products show a lower percentage due to Flavourings, Sweeteners and other Ingredients added to differentiate the product for competitive reasons. And therein lies the problem, in order to entice the consumer to gulp down mega-doses of their product, manufacturers adulterate a basically healthy source into a highly processed and totally unhealthy concoction.

Let’s take a look at a typical ingredient label on one of America’s top 5 selling whey protein products:

Calcium and sodium caseinate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, whey peptides, lactoferrin, L-glutamine, taurine, medium chain triglycerides, sunflower and/or safflower oil, oil canola, L-carnitine, maltodextrin, resistant maltodextrin, fructose, natural and artificial flavor, proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals, potassium chloride, fructo-oligosaccharides, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, soy lecithin.

That product contains 45% protein, but according to Consumer Report, it also contains heavy metal contaminants such as cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury. Other than that, is this label indicative of a healthy product or a health threat when used in high doses for a long time? We could also ask ourselves: is fast food healthy? Sadly, the difference is that these unassuming muscle-craving consumers honestly believe they are building great health for themselves with a natural product; this is clear from the many user comments on the Body Builder websites.

The above ingredients are common, with some variation across all major brands. It should be clear that “Canola and Safflower Oil” are GM (genetically modified) products, as in all processed foods, they are used because they are cheap, not for any other reason.

“Fructose(most labels list HFCS for high fructose corn syrup) This is the worst choice of sugar for an athlete, and its presence antagonizes the reason the product was taken in the first place, by putting compromised fat burning. In addition, it is suspected of causing obesity and diabetes.

“Natural and Artificial Flavors” is a common misleading term for Nasties like MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), and many other undesirable substances are hidden in this euphemism. What is the problem with MSG? Dr. Russell Blaylock, a board certified neurosurgeon, states in his book “Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills”: MSG is an excitotoxin, meaning it overexcites your cells to the point of damage or death, causing brain damage to varying degrees, and potentially even triggering or worsening learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease , Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease and more. Why has MSG been added? To get you addicted to the product and use it more. Why isn’t it on the label? Because the industry knows you don’t want it, so that they have to hide it behind euphemisms, and – yes it’s legal But it’s getting worse, because the other Ingredients: “Sodium Caseinate”, “Protein Isolates and Concentrates” are, along with MSG adding up to potentially excessive exitotoxins, the glutamate receptor Nerves within the heart muscle and conduction system are overstimulated, resulting in cardiac arrhythmias.

“Potassium chloride” is used as a low toxicity fertilizer ingredient. It is also one of the three-drug combinations in lethal injections. So what is it used for in a whey product? The answer is that it is a cheap ingredient to increase the level of potassium in the blood and because there is MSG in the product.”When magnesium stores are low, as we see in athletes, glutamate receptors are so sensitive that even low levels of these excitotoxins can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and death Blaylock says.

The aggregate “Vitamins and mineralsthey are synthetic chemicals that lack cofactors; they do not resonate with cells nor are they synergistic with other nutrients. This means that the chance of a “one size fits all” product restoring your body’s nutrient balance is arbitrary and may do more harm than good It seems like the only reason to add these chemicals is because it sounds good.

“Acesulfame potassium” is a non-caloric synthetic sugar substitute, and although approved by the FDA, it is highly controversial for its harmful effects on health. Because a human body cannot metabolize such non-caloric beverages, metabolism is disrupted and that fact puts the functionality of the entire product. The only reason this ingredient exists is cost, which benefits the producer while making the product questionable.

“sucraloseis another non-caloric synthetic sweetener and, although approved by the FDA, it is still very controversial. Supposed symptoms associated with sucralose are gastrointestinal problems (bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea), skin irritations (rash, hives, redness, itching, swelling), wheezing, cough, runny nose, chest pains, palpitations , anxiety, anger, mood swings, depression, and itchy eyes. Why is this ingredient used? Again, its costs and convenience benefit the grower, not your health.

But there is more than meets the eye, the fundamental question is the origin of the raw material, which, as expected, is not revealed on the label. Is the milk from feed lots or grass fed cows? Were the cows injected with synthetic rBST hormones, steroids, and antibiotics? The fact that minerals and vitamins are added suggests a worst-case scenario, as milk from grass-fed cows that roam pastures is naturally rich in natural B vitamins and minerals that are highly bioavailable, unlike synthetic vitamins derived from the coal tar added.

A healthy, natural whey product is not easy to find on store shelves because high-margin synthetics are portrayed by hype and label deception. But an Internet search can reward you with a truly healthy food. You want to insist on the following claims of the seller:

• sourced from grass-fed, rBGH-free cows
• no artificial synthetic sweeteners
• no MSG (artificial or natural flavors)
• no hydrogenated oils
• no canola – soybean or safflower oils (these are from GM crops)
• no HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) or fructose
• no soy or soy lecithin (soy products are of GM origin)

Beware of claims like “All Natural”, this term is arbitrarily defined and means nothing. Remember, the cheapest product will use cheap ingredients, you can save when buying, but then you will pay a much higher price for fixing your health. Buy from a producer you can trust, feel free to ask questions. High protein is an important part of your daily nutrition, so be careful what you put into your body.