Moringa vs. Whey Protein - What's The Difference?

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Protein is one of the three macronutrients available to us through food. Our body needs protein to function normally and for many other different purposes. Protein is critical for each, from the formation of enzymes, muscles, and hormones to maintaining nail, hair, and skin health. But what exactly are proteins, and where do they come from?

We know you searched for either Moringa or Whey (or maybe both), and now you are getting information about proteins. Trust us, to better understand when, Moring, and their differences, it is better to understand what proteins are. Proteins are made from Amino Acids, there are 20 amino acids in total, and nine of them are essential (which means the body needs them from external sources and can’t produce them itself).

A normal person needs around 0.8 grams of protein per Kg of body weight. But for athletes and bodybuilders, this number can increase up to 2 grams of protein per kg body weight. For a 70 kg athlete, it adds up to 140g grams of protein.

That may not sound a lot, but it’s not easy to reach this level of protein consumption. And this is where Whey and Moring come into the play. Both Moring and Whey are sources of essential and non-essential amino acids. In this article, we will discuss Moringa and Whey individually so that you can understand and differentiate them better.

Whey

Whey is a complete protein found in milk alongside casein (also a complete protein). Whey is considered by many to be the go-to source of protein, especially for bodybuilders. Whey protein has proved itself by helping athletes and amateurs pack on muscles.

Whey has entered the bodybuilding world recently, and researchers have started giving it attention. Before that, people used to stick to dietary sources of protein, like eggs, dairy, and meat. But whey protein has changed the game by cutting out the extra preparation time for food and providing essential amino acids in a good quantity.

But did you know that Whey is found in the watery fluid that is left after cheese is made from milk? Initially, this by-product was discarded by cheesemakers, but after people got to know its value, it became the focus of attention for many. The whey protein powder found on the shelf of the supplement store has approximately 24 – 28 grams of powder per serving, which has around 20- 14 grams of protein, 1 – 3 grams of fat, carbs, and fiber.

Whey vs. Casein

Whey protein is a fast-digesting protein, which means that it doesn’t take long for our GI tract to digest it after consumption. So, it is considered the best type of protein to be consumed after a workout session because after working out, our body goes into a hyper-absorptive state where it absorbs nutrients quicker as its requirements are higher.

The other type of protein found in milk is called casein, a slow-digesting protein that is recommended to be consumed before sleeping. The idea behind this is that our body produces and repairs muscles while we are asleep. And it needs a constant source of amino acids throughout the night. As casein is a slow-digesting protein, it provides a constant supply of amino acids to the body.

Moringa

Moringa is a plant found mainly in Asia and Africa. Its name is derived from the Tamil word “murungai,” which means drumstick. This plant is the sole genus from the Moringaceae family. This plant has around 13 species, each having a different shape, size, or color.

But the species we are concerned with today is called Moringa oleifera. This species of Moringa is cultivated to be marketed and sold as a dietary supplement, popular for the number of nutrients present in it. According to a survey, the global market value of Moringa rose from just four billion in 2015 to seven billion US dollars in 2020. But what was the reason that a whopping four million dollars were spent on a single species of plant?

Moringa powder has so many advantages that we can write books on it. But to make things easier for you, we will concentrate whatever we can in the following section. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about Moringa is its phytonutrient content, protein content, and adaptogenic properties.

Let’s talk about the proteins first. As mentioned earlier, proteins are essential for a healthy life and even more important for athletes and bodybuilders. It’s comparatively easier for people who eat meat to fulfill their protein needs, but those that avoid eating meat have a tough time. Most people use vegan whey proteins for that purpose, but whey protein has certain drawbacks that make Moringa the obvious winner between the two.

Nutritional Value

Moringa is a nutrient-dense food that dieticians often use to meet the nutrient requirements of malnourished people. It is a source of complete proteins, which means that Moringa extract can deliver 9 essential amino acids. Moringa also helps maintain the normal hormonal function of the body as it is an adaptogen.

Moringa as an adaptogen restore the proper function of adrenal glands, which secrete the stress hormones (such as cortisol) in our body. If the adrenals are not functioning properly, they can over-excrete these hormones. Too much stress hormones in our body can disrupt the normal functionality of our body systems and can have an adverse effect on our body.

Moringa can help people lose or gain weight. For those who are trying to gain weight, Moringa supplies essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, that help the body in gaining weight. And for those who are trying to lose weight, Moringa acts as a nutrient-rich, low caloric supply of food.