You might have heard about the health benefits of drinking milk but you may be unaware of the essential proteins present in it which helps the milk to emerge as a healthy and essential drink. Whey protein is one of those two proteins present in milk that contains all the 9 essential amino acids. The major whey protein found in cow and sheep’s milk and also in other mammalian species is known as beta-lactoglobulin benefits. The fact to be noted here is that this protein accounts for more than 50% of the total whey protein. This article will let you acknowledge about this protein and the benefits it brings up to you.

Facts about Lacto globulin protein

This protein serves as the main component of the milk skin. It is responsible for coagulating and denaturing during the boiling of the milk. After denaturing, this protein forms a thin gelatinous film on the plane of the milk. Among four components of whey protein, this protein is deemed to influence the human immunity and promote cell proliferation.

According to scientific researches and experiments, it has been discovered that Lacto globulin (LG)can enhance immune responses. It has been also demonstrated that LG is the major protein in bovine milk responsible for promoting cell proliferation through a receptor-mediated mechanism. That is the reason why LG has been extensively studied in the food industry due to its nutritional and functional beneficial effects on myriad biological processes including antiviral, anticarcinogenic effects, prevention of pathogen adhesion and hypocholesterolemic effects.

Benefits of the protein

Not only this but also, the protein is capable of binding to vitamins A and D, palmitic acid, and some other hydrophobic compounds due to its calyx structure forming a central hydrophobic cavity. This helps in improving the encapsulation properties of liposomes and serves as a stable system for delivery of vitamin E. Furthermore, strong binding affinities for phospholipids, fatty acids and aromatic compounds are exhibited by this protein.  The protein is considered suitable for disseminating passive immunity to the newborn and to regulate metabolism in the mammary gland. It is also an important source of amino acids for neonates. It is good for fuelling muscle growth due to its richness in cysteine which is a vital amino acid in the synthesis of glutathione.

The beta lactoglobulin is said to increase or modulate the human immune responses. When the protein is destabilized by heat, it forms strong gels and thus it is one of the major proteins responsible for gel-forming properties of whey protein concentrates and isolates. It has become a versatile ingredient material for a plethora of food applications. It also plays a pivotal role in the absorption and metabolism of fatty acids. The protein which is not found in the human milk but can be found in other mammalians is compactly folded and is mainly dimer. It is very pressure sensitive but contributes significantly to the benefits of the milk. It is a major contributing component in the antioxidant property of the milk. In a nutshell, this protein is majorly responsible for improving one’s immune system. So, next time when you drink milk, remember the role of this protein like alpha lactalbumin !