Strong Seafarers: Why Shipping Crew Services Should Stock Whey Protein Onboard

When one mentions protein supplements, bodybuilders and athletes spring to mind. But why not seafarers? Those on deck perform manual labour, so should they not also ingest protein to remain healthy and strong? Although the average person can consume the recommended 45 to 56 grams of protein through food, those completing rigorous activity need alternate protein sources to stay on top of their nutrition. The most popular protein supplements include milk, whey, casein, egg, soy and rice. Each variety offers the body a unique set of advantages (in some cases disadvantages), but for the sake of this article, let’s focus on whey protein for shipping crew services.

How Whey Affects the Body

Appetite

Most whey protein isolate products are fat-free and contain high biological values (approximately 104). As a result, the body can absorb the protein quickly. This helps seafarers reduce their caloric intake and ghrelin levels, the hormone responsible for hunger.

Diabetes

The consumption of whey protein concentrate before breakfast can control hazardous glucose spikes in diabetics. Furthermore, whey protein improves the body’s insulin response in a way similar to some anti-diabetic drugs on the market.

Cancer

Numerous studies conclude that whey protein can help fight the free radicals that cause common cancer variations like prostate and colon.

Stress

Those who consume whey protein exhibit fewer symptoms of stress and depression due to changes in the brain’s serotonin levels. Combining regular exercise with a healthy diet may be the secret to a good mood.

Immunity

Doctors know that physical activity can decrease glutathione levels in a way that negatively affects the body’s nervous, gastrointestinal and immune systems. Recently, however, researchers discovered that whey protein minimizes the glutathione level drop associated with extended cardiovascular activity.

The Four Types of Whey Protein

Whey protein comes in four different forms: whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed whey protein and un-denatured whey concentrate. Whey protein isolate offers the highest protein concentration (90-95%), making it ideal for those who wish to lose fat and/or manage their weight. The other three variations fall somewhere between 25% and 89%. Those on the lower end of the spectrum contain filler ingredients and carbs. Seafarers performing the same strenuous activities may prefer these added ingredients because they provide the body with extra energy. With that said, seafarers concerned with muscle mass should look for isolate powders. (Note: Whey protein isolate contains the least amount of lactose, making it suitable for a variety of nutritional restrictions onboard.) References Consuming Whey Protein Before Meals Reduces Blood Sugar Spikes. Medical News Today. August 2014. Six Reasons You Should Be Using Whey Protein. Men’s Fitness. Protein Shakes: Do You Need Them? Web MD. June 2014. Whey Protein Health Benefits. Bodybuilding. March 2010. Whey Protein: What You Need to Know. How Stuff Works. April 2009.