What is Micellar Casein Protein?
The term micellar refers to the fact that this protein naturally aggregates into micelles when in a watery medium. These micelles are made up of five caseins or also known as alpha, beta, gamma and kappa and when modified or removed, the natural micelle protein ends up destroyed. Sourced from cow’s milk, this protein is considered a dairy protein. It is said that it contains 80% of the protein found in milk where the remaining 20% being whey protein. This amazing protein also contains a good number of amino acids which are necessary for protein synthesis.
What Makes it Different than Other Caseins?
The micellar casein differs from the other caseins as it exists in its natural form. This makes it easier for the body to digest it. On the other hand, other caseins and caseinates, are exposed to alkali and acid processes during their production to make them more palatable for the use in food. Because of this, these forms of caseins have a lower level of bioactivity mainly because their natural micellar structure has been destroyed.
What is the Difference Between Micellar Whey Protein and WPC/WPI?
As we already said, the main difference between regular whey protein and the micellar one is in its absorption rate. In comparison to whey proteins which are fast-absorbing proteins, the micellar casein protein is a slow-release protein that can deliver amino acids to the muscles for up to 12 hours which is pretty amazing. Generally speaking, when ingested, the casein forms a gel-like fibre in the stomach that slows down the rate of gastric emptying. This, in fact, affects the way in which amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream. Slow-release proteins like the micellar one have proven as effective at muscle building and preventing catabolism or muscle wastage.
According to studies, it has been shown that after four hours of ingestion of whey protein, the BCAAs were no longer in the bloodstream, while the micellar casein was still there.
When to Take Micellar Casein?
Since this is a slow-releasing protein that can deliver protein to the muscles for a longer period of time, it is best to be taken before bed, which explains the fact that is also known under the name 'bedtime protein'. During that time, this protein can help you recover the muscles while aiding to their growth and minimizing the sore and achy muscles.
Although best when used before bed, this protein can also be taken throughout the day on every six to seven hours throughout the day. A thing to have in mind is not to replace any rapid-acting whey with micellar casein within the first two hours after your resistance training.
Coming in a powder form and in different flavours like chocolate and vanilla, micellar casein is creamy, thick and exquisitely tasty. You can mix it with water, yogurt or any type of milk. You can even add it in your homemade pudding. The end results will be satisfying!
Important Things to Have in Mind
Although it is safe to be consumed by people and on a daily basis, you should know that this protein contains lactose making it not suitable for those of you who are lactose intolerant. Other than that, this protein really is the thing.
It can be consumed by all those of you who are looking for a quality slow-digesting protein powder. It can also be used when feeling achy and sore after training hard, but also when feeling hungry, especially at night. By taking this protein, you will prevent snacking which is of vital importance.
It is also good for those times when you have just woken up of bed but feeling extremely hungry. You can also use it when wanting to retain or even increase lean muscle mass. Except for this, you can also use micellar casein protein when on a low-calorie diet. That is because this protein can keep you fuller for a longer period of time, way fuller than any whey or soy protein.
As you can see, this amazing casein protein is one of a kind, and the ideal solution when wanting to lose weight, get in shape or grow your muscles. So, once you have worked really hard for the day, hit the shower and settled for the night, let your body take care of the rest for the night. Just fuel it with a slow-release protein of this kind and let your body do the work. You will be amazed by the results. When in the search for a protein like this, make sure to find a reliable and trusted seller so you could be sure of the protein’s content and origin. This is essential in order to get the best of both worlds which is quality and fast results.