While both soy and whey have been shown to stimulate healthy muscle development, whey has higher concentrations of amino acids that aid in muscle synthesis, and has also been shown to reduce muscle-destroying cortisol, and to stimulate hormone effects in the body that promote additional muscle growth—something that soy can’t claim. Research shows that whey protein is absorbed and assimilated faster than soy, making it ideal for before and after workouts. For bulking up and building muscle quickly (but healthfully), whey may be the best choice there is.