Protein is truly the ‘stuff’ of life. Found in every cell in your body, protein is vital to your very existence.
As a key body building nutrient, protein plays a critical role in building muscle, bone, cartilage, skin, blood, hair, nails and much more.
In addition to providing the building blocks for a healthy body, you need protein reserves to maintain everyday health. While most of your protein is stored in your muscle, you need an adequate daily supply to replace the amino acids you lose each day.
Often referred to as the gold standard of protein, whey protein is one of the best ways to replenish your supply.
What is whey protein?
Whey protein is one of the primary proteins found in dairy products. It’s the liquid that separates from milk during the cheese-making process. It stands apart from other proteins in that it provides substantial amounts of the essential amino acids that are needed to carry out important functions in your body.
In fact, whey protein is a near-perfectly balanced food that contains all the essential amino acids your body needs for energy production, immune function, muscle retention and growth, and much more.
A full array of amino acids isn’t the only thing that sets whey protein apart from other protein sources. Whey protein also contains beta-glucans and immunoglobulins to support your body’s immune function as well as its normal detoxification processes.
Because most people associate whey protein with muscle building, let’s take a look at how it exceeds just about every other protein source…
The Right Ingredient for Building and Maintaining Muscle at Any Age
Maintaining your muscle mass as you grow older is key to staying healthy and independent.
As you age, you tend to lose muscle mass. Once you reach your 40s, you can begin losing about 1% of your muscle mass each year. In terms of strength, that’s a 1% to 3% drop.
Loss of muscle mass is linked to a downward decline in health, including an increased risk of premature death. When you have very little muscle, your ability to survive serious challenges to your health diminishes.
Muscle loss not only puts you at greater risk for chronic disease, it can lead to fat gain.
For all these reasons, muscle-strengthening exercises are so important, especially for older individuals.
What you eat especially influences your muscle mass. Failing to consume enough high-quality protein can impact your body’s ability to maintain the muscle mass you have now.
High-quality protein is protein that contains all of the important amino acids. Amino acids from protein act as the raw material or “building blocks” of your muscle and play a role in the growth of new muscle.
As people get older, they tend to eat smaller quantities of high-quality protein – less than what’s needed to support optimal muscle mass.
Strength training and proper diet, including the right kind and amount of protein can help slow or prevent muscle loss.
Whey protein is particularly effective at helping to preserve – and build – muscle mass. In fact, studies show whey protein outperforms both casein and soy protein for fueling muscle growth.
While whey protein may be my top choice for fueling muscle growth – and supporting muscle function – that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to whey’s potential benefits for health…
5 Ways Whey Protein May Benefit Your Health
Because whey is one of the best dietary sources of high-quality protein and other nutritional components, its potential benefits don’t stop with muscle health.
Studies show whey protein may also benefit your…
-
Immune Health – Whey protein contains an immune-supporting protein called Immunoglobulin G (IgG). Made by your immune system, IgG is typically found in all your bodily fluids and plays an important front-line role against threats to your health.
-
Metabolic health – Compared to other protein sources, whey protein promotes healthy blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, especially when taken before or with high-carb meals.
-
Weight management – Whey protein helps you feel full, which may help reduce hunger pangs, food cravings and overeating, making it a useful tool for reducing your total food intake. Studies show whey protein may also have a more positive effect on fat burning than other types of protein.
-
Blood lipids – Whey protein may help support healthy cholesterol (especially LDL cholesterol) levels that are already in the normal range.
-
Gut and bowel health – Whey protein may have a beneficial effect on the lining of your digestive tract, aids digestion and supports your body’s normal detoxification processes.
There’s one more potential benefit that whey protein offers – and it’s important enough to discuss in some detail…
Supercharge Your Glutathione Levels for Superior Antioxidant Defense
Antioxidants are substances that help protect your body against the damaging effects of oxidation. Most antioxidants come from the food you eat, but there’s one in particular that your body must make on its own.
And that’s glutathione – your body’s most powerful antioxidant. Known as the “master antioxidant,” it is found inside every cell.
Glutathione not only helps protect your cells and mitochondria by reducing free radicals and harmful waste products, this powerful antioxidant can also help promote immune function.
While you can purchase glutathione supplements, they are poorly absorbed and may actually cause more harm than good, as they can disrupt your body’s own glutathione production.
For your body to produce glutathione, it needs certain amino acids, such as cysteine, which can often be in short supply.
Plus, whey is one of the few foods to contain a unique cysteine residue known as glutamylcysteine, which is highly bioactive in its affinity for converting to glutathione.
This unique cysteine makes whey protein the best glutathione-promoting food source.
Keep in mind, this doesn’t apply to all whey proteins… Glutathione production is dependent on high-quality, cold-processed whey from pasture-raised cows.
The Grass-Fed Whey Protein Secret for Building Muscle
We’ve seen how whey protein from pastured cows is unique for its ability to support your body’s optimal production of glutathione, thanks to its plentiful cysteine, glycine and glutamate.
That’s not all… Whey protein, but only whey protein from grass-fed cows, is also rich in the amino acid leucine. In fact, whey protein from pastured cows is the richest source of leucine.
Leucine is the most potent of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that switches on the process of new muscle production, helping to regulate the turnover of protein in your muscles.
Here’s the interesting thing about leucine…
Researchers are finding that older individuals not only have greater muscle loss, they need more leucine (especially) and other branched chain amino acids to trigger the protein synthesis process compared to younger people.
For example, when healthy young adults consume 20 grams of protein, their muscle protein synthesis increases by about 75%. Older adults require significantly more protein – about 40 grams – to increase their production of muscle protein by 75%.
Because diet alone may not be able to supply all the leucine you may need to maintain your body muscle mass, combining whey protein with exercise may be the winning combination for preventing age-related muscle loss, as well as improving muscle strength.
Could the CLA in Grass-Fed Whey Protein Benefit Your Metabolic and Heart Health?
Not to be confused with Linoleic Acid, or LA, which is an extremely unhealthy fat found in seed oils, Conjugated Linoleic Acid, or CLA is a healthy type of omega-6 fatty acid found primarily in pasture-raised beef and dairy products.
Many people believe LA and CLA are interchangeable, but they are not. CLA does not cause the health issues attributed to LA.
CLA is just one more valuable bonus you get when you choose whey protein from pasture-raised cows.
Why does pasture-raised matter?
When cows predominantly eat grass, the CLA levels in their meat and milk are typically 300% to 500% higher than in those fed an unnatural grain-based diet.
Animal studies suggest CLA may benefit metabolic health and even help reduce body fat by…
While the results from human studies have shown mixed results, some researchers believe that CLA may help improve body composition by reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass.
Overall, studies do show that people who consume the most CLA have optimal metabolic and heart health, and a lower risk for health issues overall.
Before you run out and buy a separate CLA supplement, take my advice and don’t. CLA dietary supplements don’t provide the same health benefits as the naturally occurring CLA in foods like whey protein from pastured cows.
What’s more, the CLA you find in supplements is simply chemically-altered linoleic acid from seed oils, something you want to avoid at all costs.
Why Whey Protein May Not Be for Everyone, Especially Whey Isolates
While I’m a huge fan of quality raw milk whey protein, I realize it’s not for everyone.
As with any animal protein, when consumed day in and day out, certain individuals may develop an allergy to whey. For that reason, I recommend mixing protein sources so you’re not consuming the same one on a regular basis.
Others may already have a dairy protein allergy – and not even realize it. And for those with a dairy sensitivity, or if you’re a vegetarian who wants to avoid dairy products, whey may not be a suitable choice.
That said, there’s a major difference between whey protein isolates and whey protein concentrate.
With heavily processes whey protein isolate, you miss out on many of the natural benefits of whey protein, including IgG immunoglobulin.
Unlike raw-milk, cold-processed whey protein concentrate, whey isolate comes from pasteurized dairy and is processed with both heat and acid which can produce putrid proteins which are even more damaging to your health than trans fats.
Also, when whey protein goes through processing to remove its fat content, it gets stripped of important components like phospholipids and phosphatidylserine.
Finally, whey protein isolate is harder for your body to utilize because it lacks key amino acids and nutritional cofactors that your body needs for its assimilation.
The Hidden Dangers in Typical Protein Powder
Did you know that it is up to manufacturers to determine if their products are safe and labeled properly?
The FDA or any other regulating body does not evaluate the safety or wholesomeness of products, so there’s really no way to know for sure what’s in a protein powder. Or if what’s printed on the label is actually true.
Ever since Consumer Reports, in their groundbreaking 2010 study, detected the presence of heavy metals in all of the 15 protein powders they tested, many people continue to question the safety of protein powders.
A much more recent follow-up study by the Clean Label Project found that all of the 133 protein powder supplements they tested contained “detectable concentrations” of at least one heavy metal, including arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury.
“Measurable levels” of lead were found in 70% of the products and 74% contained cadmium.
Here are just some of the ways these four toxic heavy metals can affect health:
-
Lead and cadmium are both associated with adverse human health effects, including cancer and toxic effects to the nerves, brain, kidneys and reproductive organs.
-
Chronic exposure to cadmium can disrupt your thyroid function, weaken your bones and lead to kidney disease.
-
Mercury can cause neurological, motor, kidney, cardiovascular, immune and reproductive dysfunction.
-
Arsenic exposure is linked to cancer and skin lesions.
A recent study found that as many as 400,000 deaths each year in the U.S. are attributed to lead exposure, and low levels of exposure can lead to premature death.
Even low-level exposure to any toxic heavy metal is too much, in my opinion, considering some individuals – especially bodybuilders – may consume a protein supplement two or even three times a day.
Introducing Pure Power Organic Whey Protein
![Pure Power Organic Whey Protein]()
Our Pure Power Organic Whey Protein is exclusively sourced from pasture-raised cows from U.S. dairy farms.
What’s so special about these farms?
Our dairy farmers are strong proponents of holistic organic farming practices and environmental stewardship. They ensure the cows have regular access to green pastures for grazing in addition to a combination of rye-grass, clover and other grasses in the form of silage or haylage.
Because the protein content of the milk is of prime importance, the farmers feed the cows minimal amounts of grains – as little as possible. Natural grazing and pasture feeding enhance the nutritional quality of the milk and cheese, and especially the whey protein.
Providing 20 grams of protein per serving, here are all the other extra components you receive with Pure Power Organic Whey Protein:
-
Ancient Grains Blend of Amaranth, Buckwheat, Millet, Quinoa and Chia for additional micronutrients and fiber (each serving contains 4 grams of fiber and only 9 grams of net carbs (no added sugar).
-
Organic Sunflower Lecithin to support muscle performance and cell membranes with its phospholipids and other nutrients. It’s added to help the whey protein blend smoothly with liquids.
-
Natural Flavoring for four delicious flavors: Original, Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate.
-
Monk Fruit Extract for just the right touch of sweetness.
In addition to delicious flavor and a generous dose of protein from Whey Protein Concentrate, you receive 1.5 grams of the valuable immune-supporting protein called Immunoglobulin G (IgG).
Equally important, Pure Power Organic Whey Protein doesn’t contain any added unhealthy sugars or artificial sweeteners.
7 Criteria for the Best Quality Whey Protein
There’s no shortage of whey protein products available today, but are they all safe and wholesome for regular use? Here’s a summary of what we believe belongs – and does not belong – in a high-quality whey protein powder – and what you get with Pure Power Organic Whey Protein:
| High-Quality Whey Criteria |
Pure Power Organic Whey Protein |
| Sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows |
The whey protein in Pure Power Organic Whey Protein is sourced exclusively from U.S. dairy cows with regular access to green grass pastures. No added hormones or antibiotics are ever added to the cows’ organic diet. |
| Doesn’t include any genetically engineered (GE) ingredients, added sugars, thickeners, artificial sweeteners or flavors. |
Pure Power Organic Whey Protein doesn’t contain any GE ingredients or added sugars, thickeners, artificial sweeteners or flavors. |
| Avoids harmful amounts of heavy metals or microorganisms, which are commonly found in protein powders. |
We test Pure Power Organic Whey Protein for the presence of heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic, as well as yeast, mold, E. coli, staph and salmonella. |
| Is cold processed, and avoids the use of heat or acids during processing |
Only cold temperature, acid-free processing is used because cheaper acid/ion exchange processing denatures amino acid profiles. |
| Uses whey protein concentrate, not protein isolates |
We only use whey protein concentrate because its naturally-occurring amino acids are more easily assimilated by your body, unlike with protein isolates. |
| Avoids soy lecithin |
Pure Power Organic Whey Protein contains non-GE organic lecithin from sunflower instead of soy, which is commonly genetically engineered. |
| Multiple flavor choices sweetened with naturally derived sweeteners |
Available in your choice of four flavors – Original, Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry, Pure Power Organic Whey Protein is made only with naturally derived sweeteners, and contains no artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohol, glycerin, fructose, added sugar or gluten. |
Which Protein Powder Is Right for You?
We offer multiple options for a high-quality protein powder. Which one is right for you?
Pure Power Organic Whey Protein: This great-tasting and immune-supporting Certified USDA Organic protein powder contains whey protein concentrate sourced exclusively from pasture-raised cows from U.S. dairy farms, along with an Ancient Grain Blend for micronutrients and fiber. It is loaded with the highest quality protein, branched-chain amino acids for muscle building, immune factor IgG and does not contain any added sugars, gluten or artificial sweeteners. It’s available in Original, Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry.
Pure Power Whey Protein + Probiotics: This premium product is designed to improve your overall health and fitness goals with its unique blend of high-quality whey protein, chia seeds and probiotics, as well as fiber and coconut medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs have been shown to be ideal muscle fuel.
Pure Power Vegan Protein: Perfect for vegans and those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, as well as meat eaters, includes a great-tasting blend of five high-quality plant proteins including pea, hemp, and chia, together with the microalgae chlorella. Plus, it contains a five-fiber blend to support your digestion. It’s available in Vanilla, Chocolate and Sweet Cinnamon.
Become the Strongest Version of You with Pure Power Organic Whey Protein
![Pure Power Organic Whey Protein]()
You simply can’t beat whey protein from pastured cows for all its health-promoting qualities, like IgG for your immune function, abundant leucine for top-tier muscle building, or CLA for taking control of your metabolic health.
Sourced from pasture-raised U.S. cows, our Certified USDA Organic Whey Protein is made exclusively from easily-assimilated protein concentrate to provide you with the fuel your body needs to build the strongest version of you.
Pure Power Organic Whey Protein is not only a top choice for a delicious and nutrient-packed protein powder but also comes packaged in environmentally friendly gusset bags instead of plastic containers.
By using a bag, much less space is used during the shipping process, and less fuel is needed for transport. The gusset bag also makes it easy to pour the last couple of delicious servings into the scoop without making a mess – which can happen with plastic containers.
From its incredible taste and texture to its long list of nutritious qualities, Pure Power Organic Whey Protein deserves a place in your daily regimen.
Unlock your pure potential, and order Pure Power Organic Whey Protein today for the strongest version of you.