The Benefits of Whole Beast Protein Powder - An In-Depth Look

The Benefits of Whole Beast Protein Powder

Protein powder has become an increasingly popular supplement among health-conscious individuals looking to build muscle, aid recovery, or simply increase their protein intake. While whey and plant-based protein powders dominate the market, a newer type of protein powder called whole beast protein is gaining attention.

Whole beast protein powder is made from meat sources like beef, bison, or venison. It provides all the amino acids found naturally in meat, including the full spectrum of essential amino acids needed to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.

Benefits of Whole Beast Protein Powder

Here are some of the top benefits of whole beast protein powder:

• High in protein - Whole beast protein powders contain anywhere from 14 to 25 grams of protein per serving, providing a very high amount of this important macronutrient.
• Complete protein - Meat contains all 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot make on its own. Whole beast protein powder provides the full spectrum.
• Supports muscle building - The abundance of essential amino acids in whole beast protein makes it an excellent choice for building and maintaining muscle mass.
• Promotes workout recovery - Whole beast protein provides key amino acids like leucine that are especially important for rebuilding muscles after strenuous exercise.
• Keto-friendly - Since it contains zero carbs, whole beast protein is perfect for low carb, paleo, and ketogenic diets.
• Sustainable - Whole beast protein comes from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle or bison, supporting regenerative agriculture.
• Grain-free - Most whole beast protein powders contain just one or two ingredients, avoiding grain fillers found in many supplements.

Whole Beast vs. Other Protein Sources

How does whole beast protein stack up against other popular protein powder options like whey and plant proteins?

Whey protein - Made from dairy, whey protein is quickly absorbed and high in leucine. However, some avoid whey due to lactose intolerance. Whey tends to be cheaper than whole beast protein.

Plant proteins - Plant-based protein powders like pea, rice, and hemp are vegan-friendly. However, most lack complete amino acid profiles on their own. Blends are created to increase amino acid content. Many find plant-based proteins less satisfying.

Whole beast protein - Provides complete, high-quality protein from meat that supports muscle growth and recovery. However, it is more expensive than whey or plant proteins.

Choosing the Best Whole Beast Protein Powder

When shopping for a whole beast protein powder, keep the following factors in mind:

• Protein source - Most come from beef or bison, but some offer unique proteins like venison, duck, turkey, or boar.
• Grass-fed - Opt for 100% grass-fed beef or bison protein for higher nutrient levels.
• Cold-processed - Cold processing helps preserve nutritional content.
• Ingredients - Look for short ingredients lists, ideally just one or two whole food ingredients.
• Protein content - Aim for at least 15-20 grams of protein per serving.
• Additives - Avoid added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and unnecessary thickeners.

How to Use Whole Beast Protein Powder

Whole beast protein powder is versatile and can be easily incorporated into a number of recipes and dietary approaches:

• Protein shakes - Blend with water, milk, or non-dairy milk for a nutrition & muscle-building beverage.
• Smoothies - Add to fruit and veggie smoothies without overpowering other flavors.
• Baking - Replace up to 25% of the flour in recipes with protein powder.
• Overnight oats - Stir into overnight oats for a protein boost.
• Protein bars - Mix into homemade protein bars, cookies, or energy bites.
• Yogurt - Mix into yogurt or cottage cheese for extra protein.

Whole beast protein powder works for pre or post workout, as a meal replacement, or simply to increase daily protein intake. Add it to pancake batter, overnight oats, energy bites, muffins, or your favorite recipes.

Potential Downsides of Whole Beast Protein Powder

While whole beast protein powder has some great benefits, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

• Price - Whole beast protein typically costs more than whey or plant-based protein powders. Expect to pay $1 or more per serving.
• Digestibility - Some find animal-based proteins like beef less digestible than dairy or plant proteins, especially in protein powder form.
• Contains purines - People with kidney disease or gout may want to moderate intake since animal proteins are high in purines.
• Higher in cholesterol - There are 60-80mg cholesterol per serving, more than plant proteins.
• Higher in saturated fat - Most whole beast protein powders contain 3-4 grams saturated fat per serving.
• Not vegetarian/vegan - Obviously not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.

Who May Want to Avoid Whole Beast Protein

While whole beast protein powder can be an excellent choice for many people looking to increase protein intake, the following groups may want to exercise caution or avoid it:

• People with gout or kidney disease - Purines found in meat may exacerbate these conditions for some.
• Anyone with a beef allergy - Whole beast powders made from beef would trigger an allergic reaction.
• Vegetarians and vegans - Animal-based protein powders conflict with vegetarian and vegan diets.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women - More research may be needed to establish safety during pregnancy/lactation.
• Children - Most protein powders are not recommended for children under 18 without medical supervision.

The Top 5 Whole Beast Protein Powders

If you're interested in trying a whole beast protein powder, these are some of the top picks:

1. Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Organs

Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Organs contains beef heart, beef liver, beef pancreas, beef spleen, and beef thymus for a full spectrum of proteins and nutrients.

2. Perfect Keto Grass-Fed Collagen Protein

Perfect Keto's collagen protein powder provides 15g protein from grass-fed bovine hide per serving, plus collagen types I and III for skin, hair, nails, and joint health.

3. Left Coast Performance Bone Broth Beef Protein

Left Coast Performance's beef bone broth protein offers 20g protein, collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and key electrolytes in each serving.

4. Onnit Grass Fed Whey Protein

Onnit's New Zealand whey protein concentrate comes from grass-fed cows and provides 24g protein, 5.9g BCAAs, 4g glutamine, and no artificial sweeteners per scoop.

5. Sports Research Collagen Peptides

Sports Research Collagen Peptides contain hydrolyzed type I and III collagen proteins from grass-fed bovine to support hair, skin, nails, bones, and joints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of whole beast protein powder?

The benefits of whole beast protein powder include high protein content, complete essential amino acid profile, muscle building and recovery, keto-friendly macros,

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.