Grass Fed Whey Concentrate

Grass Fed Whey Concentrate

Grass-Fed vs. Conventional Whey

Grass-Fed Whey

Comes from grass-fed cows raised on organic pastures eating natural, plant-based diets. These animals are not given corn or soy-based feeds common on conventional farms.

Conventional Whey

Cows are fed a mix of grains, hay, cottonseed meal, corn stalks, preservatives, hormones, and antibiotics. This unnatural diet requires antibiotics to prevent disease and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Bioactive Compounds in Grass-Fed Whey

Grass-fed whey protein contains higher levels of immune-boosting, bioactive compounds that provide significant health benefits.

Beta-lactoglobulin

A potent immune booster that helps reduce bad cholesterol, provides anti-cancer effects, reduces blood pressure, and offers potent antioxidant activity.

Immunoglobulins

Also known as antibodies, these compounds support healthy immunity and help protect against pathogens.

Cysteine

A non-essential amino acid used to form glutathione, your body's master antioxidant. Cysteine can help treat liver disease and cancer.

Lactoferrin

Has profound positive effects on the immune system. It stimulates natural killer cells, neutrophils, and macrophages to fight infection. Research shows benefits for cancer treatment and iron overload.

Lysozyme

Works by breaking down the cell walls of dangerous bacteria. Research shows that combining lysozyme with lactoferrin significantly lowers intestinal inflammation, potentially helping with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease.

Beta-carotene

A precursor for vitamin A that functions as an essential antioxidant in the body.

Additional Compounds:

Grass-fed whey also contains higher levels of alpha-lactalbumin, glycomacropeptides, and serum albumin.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

Grass-fed whey leads the industry with the highest concentration of naturally occurring BCAAs due to its grass-fed sourcing. BCAAs are highly attractive for those looking to build muscle and support recovery.

Healthy Fats from Grass-Fed Concentrate

The primary nutritional difference includes increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins E and B, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium), and higher CLA content.

Key Fatty Acids:

Omega-3s (DHA and EPA)

Essential fatty acids vital for proper cognition and mood, as well as decreased risk of heart disease.

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)

Shows increased promise in fighting cancer and aiding in weight management. Fat from grass-fed dairy is particularly rich in CLA and omega-3.

Why Concentrate Over Isolate

Grass-fed whey protein concentrate does not undergo additional isolation processes, which helps preserve important nutrients.

While whey protein isolates may have higher protein percentages, most are acid-processed proteins with many nutrients stripped away during processing. Grass-fed whey protein concentrate is less processed and preserves more valuable immune-boosting compounds like alpha-lactoglobulins, lactoferrin, and healthy fats such as CLA and omega-3 that are removed during the filtering process in whey protein isolates.

Performance Benefits:

  • Similar biological values to whey isolate
  • High amounts of essential amino acids and BCAAs
  • Preserves more bioavailable nutrients
  • Contains healthy fats that aren't completely eliminated
Bottom Line: If you want to boost your body's health and improve muscle growth simultaneously, grass-fed whey concentrate is the superior choice.

Results: Weight Loss and Muscle Building

For Weight Loss and Health:

  • Maintains Insulin Sensitivity: Whey concentrate contains healthy fats that don't spike blood sugar as much as isolate, making it better for maintaining insulin sensitivity.
  • Increases Satiety: The combination of protein and fat increases appetite control, reducing hunger and helping you consume fewer calories throughout the day.

For Muscle Gain:

The fat content in concentrate protein allows for slower release into the bloodstream compared to isolate. This gives your body more time to absorb amino acids and increases anabolic time, similar to casein protein.

Research Finding: A study found that consumption of whole eggs promotes greater stimulation of post-exercise muscle protein synthesis than consumption of equivalent amounts of egg whites in young men. This supports the benefit of combining protein with natural fats.

Post-Workout Window Myth:

The idea that you need fast-digesting protein immediately after workouts has been debunked. Current research shows:

  • There's no significant difference between isolate and concentrate absorption rates
  • The post-workout window is much larger than previously thought (up to 4 hours or more)
  • Slow-release protein supplies amino acids steadily and increases anabolic time
  • Fast-absorbing protein spikes quickly then drops, while slow-release maintains steady levels

Why New Zealand Dairy

  • rBST Free: The New Zealand government prohibits animal growth hormones in dairy farming. Farmers never use growth hormones (rBST) to increase milk production.
  • Grass-Fed Diet: On average, 96% of New Zealand cows' diet is grass, and they spend 97% of their time on pasture.
  • Year-Round Grazing: Thanks to New Zealand's temperate climate, cows can graze outdoors all year. Being predominantly grass-fed means their milk is richer in omega-3 fats, beta-carotenes, and CLA.
Other Countries: In contrast, cows in other countries spend less time outdoors feeding on grass due to temperature, climate, and less lush pastures. They eat grain-based feed most of the time.

Why Grass-Fed Dairy Costs More

Conventional Production: Most cows mature in CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations), which are feedlots that mass-feed cows mostly with grains of soy or corn. These unsanitary conditions require antibiotics to prevent sickness. Additionally, cows are often given steroids for increased growth and output.

Grass-Fed Production: Grass-fed cows are raised in a more traditional manner, free to graze fields and eat naturally grown grass. This requires far more fertile land than feedlots, making it more expensive.

Investment in Health: The higher cost is an investment in your health and wellbeing.

Natural Ingredients

This product contains no artificial flavors and no preservatives. All flavoring is natural.

Why Avoid Artificial Flavors:

Most protein supplement companies use artificial flavors to improve taste without adding extra calories. However, research has shown concerning effects:

  • Gut Microbiome Impact: Artificial flavors and sweeteners can negatively affect gut bacteria
  • Pathogenic Changes: Studies show artificial sweeteners can turn healthy gut bacteria into pathogens, leading to greater biofilm formation and increased bacterial adhesion and invasion into human gut cells
  • Health Risks: These changes can lead to gut bacteria invading and damaging the intestine, potentially causing infection, sepsis, and multiple-organ failure
  • Metabolic Effects: Research indicates artificial sweeteners may cause insulin resistance, leading to obesity and increased cravings

Why Stevia:

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, offering several benefits:

  • Zero calories
  • Doesn't promote cavities
  • Helps balance blood sugars

Ingredients: Natural cacao chocolate and vanilla flavor with stevia and non-GMO xanthan gum.

Important Considerations

Lactose Intolerance: Those with lactose intolerance may experience discomfort from this product. Adding lactose enzymes may help address this issue.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is meant for educational purposes only and represents personal research and reading. The information and products discussed are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, please consult your physician before using any supplement.

Back to blog