Which Has More Cholesterol - Whey Protein or Soy Protein?

Basic Facts about Whey and Soy Protein

Whey protein is a powdered product derived from cow’s milk. Fact is 20% of milk protein is said to be whey, while the rest is Casein. Whey protein is the most nutritious protein and is highly soluble. If you’re going to ask how liquefied whey is produced, the process entails subjecting the concentrated liquid whey through further concentration process in an ion exchange tower. Then it passes through a drying tower to remove remaining water content and to complete its solidification process before packaging.

Similar to whey protein, soy protein is also derived from another material, and that is of course soy beans. Also like whey protein, soy is a good source of protein due to the fact that it contains essential amino acids for human nutrition.

Basic Difference between Whey Protein and Soy Protein

Just by knowing who makes these two types of proteins part of their healthy diet, we can already determine the difference between soy protein and whey protein. Men, especially those who are building mass and muscles without gaining too much fat, benefit from consuming whey protein. Women, who are aiming to reduce some weight, will benefit from incorporating soy protein into their diet.

But aside from that observation, scientifically, whey protein is more complete in terms of nutritional content than soy protein. In addition, whey protein has a quicker absorption rate than soy protein; which is why men who are into weight training and body building prefer to take whey protein since it helps repair worn-out muscles after workouts.

So, Which Has More Cholesterol?

Whey protein contains more cholesterol than soy protein. The most obvious reason, minus any scientific analysis, is the fact that soy is derived from a plant product (soy bean) while whey is derived from a dairy product (milk).

In terms of cholesterol content, whey protein varies from one brand to another. But generally, whey protein will have no less than 5mg per servings. Soy protein can have as little as 0mg of cholesterol. Optimum’s Whey Protein Supplement and Soy Protein Supplement are good examples. The former has 5mg of cholesterol while the latter has 0mg cholesterol content. (Source)

This somehow explains the reason why men prefer to take whey protein rather than soy protein supplements. Mass gainer men still need ample amount of fats to burn into energy ample enough to sustain the rigidity of their exercises. While women who tend to go for a lighter workout regimen prefer soy protein supplements, which has enough protein to sustain them in their workout.