A lot of people have questions about the impact of casein protein on a low-carb diet. The protein is derived from cows and is sometimes called cow whey. But casein protein is also produced by the kidneys, pancreas and liver. Casein is actually a protein derived from the egg white. The protein in the egg white is more pure than the one found in casein. Therefore, it has less or even no carbs (casein is a carbohydrate) and therefore can be used as a food source for diabetics.
Some doctors, however, recommend against the use of casein protein in low-carb diets. Some studies have shown that casein protein may raise blood glucose levels, particularly in diabetics. Other studies, however, have shown that casein protein reduces insulin resistance. Both studies are inconclusive. More research is needed to confirm the effects of casein protein on diabetes.
There are two types of casein: casein hydrochloride and casein protein. One type is less expensive than the other. It’s the less expensive kind that’s typically used in low-carb diets. The reason that one type is more expensive is because of the processing that the casein undergoes before it reaches the final stage in which it’s made readily available to the body. The refined and manufactured casein comes from an animal that has had all its hooves and other parts removed, which significantly raises the protein content (making the casein more expensive).
A higher protein level may be desirable for diabetics because it provides energy. It can also help with keeping the blood sugar levels consistent. However, experts say that there’s no need to worry about casein protein causing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, because there’s no evidence that it does. Casein can also boost the immune system, which is something that most people would want.
There’s a side effect that some people are concerned about when taking casein: lactose intolerance. Although the symptoms of lactose intolerance are generally mild and present no risk to the sufferer, these people should watch their diet to make sure that they don’t get too much casein protein. For example, some people may have trouble digesting dairy products after the casein has been taken or may find that they produce milk when consuming casein. The milk that results may contain small amounts of casein or other proteins, or it might contain large amounts of whey.
If you’re interested in consuming a good amount of casein protein, you’ll find that there are a number of good sources available on the market. Many health food stores will have a section devoted to low-calorie or low-sodium foods, as well as a number of protein supplements that contain casein protein. These supplements can be an excellent way to get your daily protein fix without adding extra fat and additional calories to your diet. When using a protein supplement to cut back on your caloric intake, you should still remember that healthy eating and regular exercise remain the most important factors for maintaining good health.
