Casein protein, also popularly called milk protein, is considered the perfect nutrition for those who need a slow releasing protein to take before bed. Casein delivers a slow sustained release of amino acids to the muscles whilst you sleep, therefore better aiding recovery and growth.
When we consume casein, a “bolus” (a large curd) is formed in our
stomach as the casein reacts with gastric juices in the stomach. The
bolus takes on a unique structure also. Our stomachs and upper
intestines produce enzymes to help speed up digestion of food. Some of
these enzymes are “site specific” meaning that they will only act on
specific sites of a molecule when that molecule is in a specific
structure. These specific enzymes fit into molecular structures much as a
specific key fits into a specific lock. Specific digestive enzymes will
act on casein to produce bioactive peptides from casein. Some of these
peptides will have immunomodulatory properties. Others will have
antibacterial properties. Examples of peptides produced from consumption
of casein are:
- Glycomacropeptide (GMP) – produced when kappa-casein is hydrolyzed at one specific peptide bond, between amino acids 105 and 106. The smaller peptide that is formed from amino acids 106 through 169 is GMP. When the stomach detects the formation of GMP, a hormonal cascade begins. The body produces cholecystokinin (CKK) a chemical that signals the brain of satiety and suppresses appetite. GMP has also been shown to enhance the absorption of calcium and zinc. GMP has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation in our veins and arteries, thereby helping to prevent arteriosclerosis.
- Casomorphins – These are peptides cleaved from casein during digestion that elicit an opioid effect in the body. They have been shown to travel to the brain and can have a calming, tranquilizing effect. They have also been shown to be antihypertensive and, as such, are under investigation as a natural blood pressure control agent. Casomorphins can also act to slow motility of the small intestine, thereby allowing food to linger longer for maximum absorption of nutrients in the food.
- Casein-Phospho-Peptide (CPP) – These peptides contain high levels of calcium and phosphorous. They are easily absorbed into the bloodstream and, therefore, carry large quantities of calcium and phosphorous into the bloodstream. Since calcium (of the form as found in milk) and phosphorous are the building blocks of our skeletal system, it can be said that CPP helps to build strong bones. CPP is used as a preventative tool against osteoporosis.
Along with the bioactive peptides that form when casein is consumed, there are other study proven benefits. Casein is the only protein that has ever been shown to be anticatabolic (Boire et. al. 1997) – meaning that micellar form casein will help prevent oxidative breakdown of muscle tissue during and after intense exercise. Consumption of micellar casein results in prolonged periods (up to 7 hours) of elevated amino acids in the bloodstream, thereby allowing the body to repair and build muscle tissue after exercise for prolonged periods of time.
Posts
0 Comments