Is Grass Fed Whey Protein a Superior Option?
Whether you're looking to build muscle, strip fat, increase strength, or improve athletic performance, whey protein is a must-have in your supplement arsenal. Whey is a cost-effective source of high-quality and high-concentration protein that rich in calcium and antioxidants. Offered in both powdered and pre-mixed forms, it's a portable and convenient way to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS).
Whey is comprised of 8 key components: ß-lactoglobulin (ß-lg), α-lactalbumin (α-la), bovine serum albumin (BSA), immunoglobulins (Ig), glycomacropeptide (GMP), lactoferrin (LF), lactoperoxidase (LP), and proteose Peptones (PP). [1] These components work in synergy to support the preservation of lean mass when eating at a caloric deficit and encourage the synthesis of muscle, rather than fat, when eating at a caloric surplus.
Click Here to Order Eat the Bear Naturally Whey Protein
A growing body of research is now showing that grass-fed or pasture-raised beef and dairy products are superior to their grain-fed counterparts. Grass-fed dairy has more healthy fats, isn't treated with genetically engineered artificial hormones, and may reduce cardiovascular risk. The goal of this article is to discuss the benefits of grass-fed dairy and why Eat The Bear is a great choice if you're looking for grass-fed whey protein supplements.
The proper intake and balance of healthy fats are crucial for normal hormonal function, mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. In the past 100 years the average Westerner has substantial increased Omega-6 fatty acid and decreased Omega-3 fatty acid consumption.
Research suggests an Omega 6:Omega 3 ratio of as close to 1:1 as possible to be ideal, yet the average Westerner consumes at least 15 times more Omega 6s. [2][3] While both Omega 6 and 3 are essentially fatty acids that cannot by produced by the body and must be obtained via food or supplementation, an excessive imbalance can increase risk factors for cardiovascular and chronic disease.
On average grass-fed dairy contains 25% less Omega-6 and 62% more Omega-3 (e.g. alpha linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids) fatty acids compared to grain-fed dairy. [2] Consuming fewer Omega-6s and more Omega-3s through dairy can help to improve your Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio.
Grass-fed dairy also contains higher levels of numerous other healthy fats. Ruminant animals like cows synthesize conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) during the ruminal biohydrogenation of grasses.4 One study found that pasture-raised cows allowed to graze freely and not fed supplemental feed produced milk with 500% more CLA compared to grain-fed cows. [5]
Consumption of adequate CLA appears to decrease heart attack risk and offset the potentially harmful effects arising from the saturated fat in dairy milk. [4] CLA is also commonly marketed and sold as a fat-burning supplement although clinical evidence is mixed. Grass-fed dairy also contains more cholesterol neutral steric acid and less cholesterol elevating saturated fatty acids like myristic and palmitic acids. [6]
One small study on mice also found that grass-fed dairy can protect and strengthen intestinal health and digestive function. [7] If you're looking to increase beneficial fatty acid intake without impacting cholesterol level or cardiovascular disease risk then choose grass-fed dairy products.
let's first consider traditional whey protein supplements from grain-fed sources. While you may be able to find 5lb tubs for as low as $30, many of these products use non-natural artificial sweeteners and cheap filler amino acids like taurine and glycine to increase the protein per serving.
Furthermore, the cows used to produce this whey protein may live in atrocious conditions, eat a poor diet, and be treated with rGBH. When you also consider the significantly lower CLA content, it's time to put down that tub of cheap grain-fed whey and reach for the good stuff.
Non-dairy protein sources are an excellent option for health-conscious individuals with food allergies or specifics dietary restrictions. Non-dairy protein sources like soy, pea, and egg have a number of key drawbacks including, but not limited to a less robust or complete amino acids profile, inconsistent mixability, and chalky taste. Furthermore, these non-dairy protein sources lack significant quantities of CLA, calcium, and other key nutrients found in grass-fed dairy.
For the male athletes reading this article, numerous studies convey concern around long-term soy protein supplementation due to the phytoestrogen content. For those who can consume dairy, grass-fed whey protein supplements offer a more complete amino acid profile without negatively impacting your hormonal profile or coming from cows treated with hormones.
Eat The Bear offers four grass-fed dairy products; three of which are whey protein and one of which is micellar casein. These grass-fed supplements offer more conjugated linoleic acid, aren't treated with rGBH, and are naturally sweetened with Stevia.
Click here to order grass fed Eat The Bear Naturally.
Eat The Bear's flagship product, Grizzly Whey Pure Isolate Protein, is a fat-free pure whey protein isolate product offering 25g of protein and only 100 calories per 29.3g serving. Grizzly Isolate has 250mg of calcium and only 1mg of cholesterol without lactose or gluten (except Ice Cream Sandwich flavor) in each serving. [9]
Unlike its competitors, Grizzly Isolate is NOT cut with whey protein concentrate. Due to the lack of fat and carbohydrate content, your body absorbs whey protein isolate faster than whey protein concentrate, making Grizzly Isolate ideal for pre-workout and post-workout.
For those on strict calorie-controlled diets, Grizzly Isolate is over 85% protein by weight and one of the lowest calorie isolates on the market. Grizzly Isolate is offered in six flavors ranging from vanilla to cinnamon bun to chocolate peanut butter.
For those on a tighter budget that don't want to sacrifice quality or flavor, Eat The Bear Naturally Whey Protein is an excellent option. With 20g of protein, 115 calories, and 180mg of calcium per 28.4g serving, ETB Naturally Whey Protein will stimulate muscle protein synthesis and help fulfill your daily protein requirement without breaking the bank.
It's offered in the following 3 great-tasting flavors - vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. [10] This grass-fed whey protein is a faster digesting protein source, making it ideal to consume immediately upon waking, pre-workout, and immediately post workout.
If you're a hardgainer or looking to add quality lean mass then choose Eat The Bear Grizzly Mass Gainer. This product contains 54 grams of grass-fed whey protein concentrate, 79g carbohydrates, 6g fat, and 400mg of calcium per 148gserving. [11] This all-natural weight gainer, offered in chocolate and vanilla flavors, is an excellent way to increase your CLA, calorie, protein, and carbohydrate consumption without cheap and unnecessary fillers. Weight gainers are ideal to consume immediately upon waking, in between your main meals, or before bed.
Although not whey protein, Eat The Bear's Grizzly Micellar Casein is an excellent slow digesting grass-fed milk protein supplement designed to be consumed in between meals and before bed. The slower absorption of micellar casein ensures muscle protein synthesis and amino acid levels stay elevated multiple hours after consumption.
Offered in vanilla and chocolate flavors, every 31.6 gram serving has 23g of 100% micellar casein from grass-fed sources, just 2g of fat, 2g of carbohydrates, and 118 calories. [12] Every serving has more than 10 grams of Branched Chain Amino Acids and Glutamine Precursors to maximize recovery without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Eat The Bear is a cutting-edge supplement company offering clean, filler-free, and high-quality grass-fed whey protein supplements. When it comes to living a sports nutritional-based lifestyle Eat The Bear and Tiger Fitness knows "It's NOT A GAME!"
2) Benbrook, Charles M. et al. "Organic Production Enhances Milk Nutritional Quality by Shifting Fatty Acid Composition: A United States-Wide, 18-Month Study." Ed. Andrea S. Wiley. PLoS ONE 8.12 (2013): e82429. PMC. Web.
3) Simopoulos, A. P. "The Importance of the Ratio of Omega-6/omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids." National Center for Biotechnology Information. Biomed Pharmacother., Oct. 2002. Web.
4) Smit, L. A., A. Baylin, and H. Campos. "Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Adipose Tissue and Risk of Myocardial Infarction." National Center for Biotechnology Information. Am J Clin Nutr., July 2010. Web.
5) Dhiman, T. R., et al. "Conjugated Linoleic Acid Content of Milk from Cows Fed Different Diets." National Center for Biotechnology Information. J. Diary Sci., Oct. 1999. Web.
6) Daley, Cynthia A et al. "A Review of Fatty Acid Profiles and Antioxidant Content in Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Beef." Nutrition Journal 9 (2010): 10. PMC. Web.
7) Benoit, B., et al. "Pasture V. Standard Dairy Cream in High-fat Diet-fed Mice: Improved Metabolic Outcomes and Stronger Intestinal Barrier." National Center for Biotechnology Information. Br J Nutr., Aug. 2014. Web.
8) "What is ETB FIT?" Eat the Bear. ETB America, 2014. Web.
9) "Grizzly Whey Pure Isolate Protein Powder." Eat The Bear. ETB America, 2014. Web.
10) "Naturally Whey Protein Powder." Eat The Bear. ETB America, 2014. Web.
11) "Grizzly Mass Gainer Protein Powder." Eat The Bear. ETB America, 2014. Web.
12) "Grizzly Micellar Casein Protein Powder." Eat The Bear. ETB America, 2014. Web.
Whey is comprised of 8 key components: ß-lactoglobulin (ß-lg), α-lactalbumin (α-la), bovine serum albumin (BSA), immunoglobulins (Ig), glycomacropeptide (GMP), lactoferrin (LF), lactoperoxidase (LP), and proteose Peptones (PP). [1] These components work in synergy to support the preservation of lean mass when eating at a caloric deficit and encourage the synthesis of muscle, rather than fat, when eating at a caloric surplus.
Click Here to Order Eat the Bear Naturally Whey Protein
A growing body of research is now showing that grass-fed or pasture-raised beef and dairy products are superior to their grain-fed counterparts. Grass-fed dairy has more healthy fats, isn't treated with genetically engineered artificial hormones, and may reduce cardiovascular risk. The goal of this article is to discuss the benefits of grass-fed dairy and why Eat The Bear is a great choice if you're looking for grass-fed whey protein supplements.
Click here to order Eat The Bear Naturally grass-fed whey protein powder.
Grass-Fed Dairy Products
If you've read or even skimmed the literature on grass-fed dairy products then you know it offers a number of advantages over grain-fed dairy products. Grass-fed dairy has higher quantities of cardioprotective healthy fats lower levels of cholesterol elevating saturated fatty acids. Grass-fed cows are typically raised on an open pasture rather than a confined pen, aren't fed supplemental feed, and aren't injected with hormones like recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) to increase milk output.The proper intake and balance of healthy fats are crucial for normal hormonal function, mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. In the past 100 years the average Westerner has substantial increased Omega-6 fatty acid and decreased Omega-3 fatty acid consumption.
Research suggests an Omega 6:Omega 3 ratio of as close to 1:1 as possible to be ideal, yet the average Westerner consumes at least 15 times more Omega 6s. [2][3] While both Omega 6 and 3 are essentially fatty acids that cannot by produced by the body and must be obtained via food or supplementation, an excessive imbalance can increase risk factors for cardiovascular and chronic disease.
On average grass-fed dairy contains 25% less Omega-6 and 62% more Omega-3 (e.g. alpha linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids) fatty acids compared to grain-fed dairy. [2] Consuming fewer Omega-6s and more Omega-3s through dairy can help to improve your Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio.
Grass-fed dairy also contains higher levels of numerous other healthy fats. Ruminant animals like cows synthesize conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) during the ruminal biohydrogenation of grasses.4 One study found that pasture-raised cows allowed to graze freely and not fed supplemental feed produced milk with 500% more CLA compared to grain-fed cows. [5]
Consumption of adequate CLA appears to decrease heart attack risk and offset the potentially harmful effects arising from the saturated fat in dairy milk. [4] CLA is also commonly marketed and sold as a fat-burning supplement although clinical evidence is mixed. Grass-fed dairy also contains more cholesterol neutral steric acid and less cholesterol elevating saturated fatty acids like myristic and palmitic acids. [6]
One small study on mice also found that grass-fed dairy can protect and strengthen intestinal health and digestive function. [7] If you're looking to increase beneficial fatty acid intake without impacting cholesterol level or cardiovascular disease risk then choose grass-fed dairy products.
Grass Fed Whey Protein
When discussing objections to purchasing grass-fed whey protein supplements, some consumers are quick to point out cost. Compared to grain-fed whey and non-dairy protein supplements like soy, pea, and egg, grass-fed whey protein tends to be more expensive. However, when you consider the ethical, environmental, and health impacts from consuming these alternative protein sources, grass-fed whey supplements is well-worth the investment.let's first consider traditional whey protein supplements from grain-fed sources. While you may be able to find 5lb tubs for as low as $30, many of these products use non-natural artificial sweeteners and cheap filler amino acids like taurine and glycine to increase the protein per serving.
Furthermore, the cows used to produce this whey protein may live in atrocious conditions, eat a poor diet, and be treated with rGBH. When you also consider the significantly lower CLA content, it's time to put down that tub of cheap grain-fed whey and reach for the good stuff.
Non-dairy protein sources are an excellent option for health-conscious individuals with food allergies or specifics dietary restrictions. Non-dairy protein sources like soy, pea, and egg have a number of key drawbacks including, but not limited to a less robust or complete amino acids profile, inconsistent mixability, and chalky taste. Furthermore, these non-dairy protein sources lack significant quantities of CLA, calcium, and other key nutrients found in grass-fed dairy.
For the male athletes reading this article, numerous studies convey concern around long-term soy protein supplementation due to the phytoestrogen content. For those who can consume dairy, grass-fed whey protein supplements offer a more complete amino acid profile without negatively impacting your hormonal profile or coming from cows treated with hormones.
Eat the Bear Grass Fed Whey Protein Products
If you're in the market for grass-fed whey protein products, look no further than Eat The Bear. Its supplement line is free of banned substances, discloses ALL ingredients on the labels, and sources ALL ingredients from within the United States. [8]Eat The Bear offers four grass-fed dairy products; three of which are whey protein and one of which is micellar casein. These grass-fed supplements offer more conjugated linoleic acid, aren't treated with rGBH, and are naturally sweetened with Stevia.
Click here to order grass fed Eat The Bear Naturally.Eat The Bear's flagship product, Grizzly Whey Pure Isolate Protein, is a fat-free pure whey protein isolate product offering 25g of protein and only 100 calories per 29.3g serving. Grizzly Isolate has 250mg of calcium and only 1mg of cholesterol without lactose or gluten (except Ice Cream Sandwich flavor) in each serving. [9]
Unlike its competitors, Grizzly Isolate is NOT cut with whey protein concentrate. Due to the lack of fat and carbohydrate content, your body absorbs whey protein isolate faster than whey protein concentrate, making Grizzly Isolate ideal for pre-workout and post-workout.
For those on strict calorie-controlled diets, Grizzly Isolate is over 85% protein by weight and one of the lowest calorie isolates on the market. Grizzly Isolate is offered in six flavors ranging from vanilla to cinnamon bun to chocolate peanut butter.
For those on a tighter budget that don't want to sacrifice quality or flavor, Eat The Bear Naturally Whey Protein is an excellent option. With 20g of protein, 115 calories, and 180mg of calcium per 28.4g serving, ETB Naturally Whey Protein will stimulate muscle protein synthesis and help fulfill your daily protein requirement without breaking the bank.
It's offered in the following 3 great-tasting flavors - vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. [10] This grass-fed whey protein is a faster digesting protein source, making it ideal to consume immediately upon waking, pre-workout, and immediately post workout.
If you're a hardgainer or looking to add quality lean mass then choose Eat The Bear Grizzly Mass Gainer. This product contains 54 grams of grass-fed whey protein concentrate, 79g carbohydrates, 6g fat, and 400mg of calcium per 148gserving. [11] This all-natural weight gainer, offered in chocolate and vanilla flavors, is an excellent way to increase your CLA, calorie, protein, and carbohydrate consumption without cheap and unnecessary fillers. Weight gainers are ideal to consume immediately upon waking, in between your main meals, or before bed.
Although not whey protein, Eat The Bear's Grizzly Micellar Casein is an excellent slow digesting grass-fed milk protein supplement designed to be consumed in between meals and before bed. The slower absorption of micellar casein ensures muscle protein synthesis and amino acid levels stay elevated multiple hours after consumption.
Offered in vanilla and chocolate flavors, every 31.6 gram serving has 23g of 100% micellar casein from grass-fed sources, just 2g of fat, 2g of carbohydrates, and 118 calories. [12] Every serving has more than 10 grams of Branched Chain Amino Acids and Glutamine Precursors to maximize recovery without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Conclusion
Whey protein is a convenient and cost-effective way to increase your protein consumption, stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and maintain general health. Grass-fed dairy contains more healthy fats, fewer harmful fats, and uses no added hormones to increase milk output compared to grain-fed dairy. Grass-fed whey protein has the convenience of whey protein without the questionable artificial sweeteners, cheap filler amino acids, and poor mixability.Eat The Bear is a cutting-edge supplement company offering clean, filler-free, and high-quality grass-fed whey protein supplements. When it comes to living a sports nutritional-based lifestyle Eat The Bear and Tiger Fitness knows "It's NOT A GAME!"
References
1) Davisco Foods International, Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 2016.2) Benbrook, Charles M. et al. "Organic Production Enhances Milk Nutritional Quality by Shifting Fatty Acid Composition: A United States-Wide, 18-Month Study." Ed. Andrea S. Wiley. PLoS ONE 8.12 (2013): e82429. PMC. Web.
3) Simopoulos, A. P. "The Importance of the Ratio of Omega-6/omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids." National Center for Biotechnology Information. Biomed Pharmacother., Oct. 2002. Web.
4) Smit, L. A., A. Baylin, and H. Campos. "Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Adipose Tissue and Risk of Myocardial Infarction." National Center for Biotechnology Information. Am J Clin Nutr., July 2010. Web.
5) Dhiman, T. R., et al. "Conjugated Linoleic Acid Content of Milk from Cows Fed Different Diets." National Center for Biotechnology Information. J. Diary Sci., Oct. 1999. Web.
6) Daley, Cynthia A et al. "A Review of Fatty Acid Profiles and Antioxidant Content in Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Beef." Nutrition Journal 9 (2010): 10. PMC. Web.
7) Benoit, B., et al. "Pasture V. Standard Dairy Cream in High-fat Diet-fed Mice: Improved Metabolic Outcomes and Stronger Intestinal Barrier." National Center for Biotechnology Information. Br J Nutr., Aug. 2014. Web.
8) "What is ETB FIT?" Eat the Bear. ETB America, 2014. Web.
9) "Grizzly Whey Pure Isolate Protein Powder." Eat The Bear. ETB America, 2014. Web.
10) "Naturally Whey Protein Powder." Eat The Bear. ETB America, 2014. Web.
11) "Grizzly Mass Gainer Protein Powder." Eat The Bear. ETB America, 2014. Web.
12) "Grizzly Micellar Casein Protein Powder." Eat The Bear. ETB America, 2014. Web.
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