If you love fitness and nutrition as much as we do, you already know the importance of good quality protein for building lean muscle, gaining strength, and boosting performance. When it comes to protein supplements, whey protein is still the most popular.
But not all whey is created equal, especially when you consider where it comes from. Here, we'll be exploring why grass-fed whey protein offers a better nutritional profile than regular whey.
REASONS TO CHOOSE GRASS-FED WHEY PROTEIN IN THE UK
Grass-fed whey protein comes from the milk of - you guessed it - grass-fed cows. Thanks to its impressive nutritional profile, there’s growing interest in grass-fed whey protein in the UK.
Here are just some of the headline potential nutritional benefits of swapping out your regular whey protein for grass-fed whey protein:
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HIGHER NUTRIENT PROFILE THAN REGULAR WHEY
Grass-fed whey is believed to have a higher nutrient profile than conventional whey1. This is because it comes from cows that graze on grass and other natural food sources, rather than being fed on grains, soy and other fillers.
The upshot is milk (and therefore whey) that boasts a richer nutrient content. That means higher levels of omega-3, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and other beneficial compounds.
These nutrients have been shown to support muscle growth, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall health.
Tick, tick, tick!
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HIGHER LEVELS OF OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
On the subject of Omega-3, it’s those fresh pastures consisting of various grasses and plants that are thought to contribute to higher levels of these beneficial fatty acids being found in the milk of grass-fed cows2.
Why is that important? Well, Omega-3 is essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
The type of plants our bovine buddies chow down on contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Certain grasses, particularly those found in natural pastures, are rich in ALA. As cows munch on these grasses (in our case, in the Lake District) the ALA is absorbed into their body fat and subsequently into their milk.
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MORE CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID (CLA)
Did you know that grass-fed whey protein is not only rich in CLA3 (conjugated linoleic acid), but it's also pretty fascinating how this superhero fatty acid is created? CLA is a naturally occurring compound that's formed when cows digest the grass. The linoleic acid from the grass is then transformed into CLA. How cool is that?!
So, when you enjoy grass-fed whey protein, you're not only fueling your body with muscle-building goodness, but you're also getting a healthy dose of CLA, thanks to those grass-chomping cows.
CLA is known to have some incredible benefits. It can support a healthy immune system, boost your metabolism, and improve muscle tone. So, not only will grass-fed whey protein help you build those biceps, but it'll give your overall health a major boost.
Get ready to unleash the power of CLA with HERMOSA!
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BIGGER HIT OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Grass-fed whey protein may also contain higher levels of antioxidants, such as vitamins E and A, which play a role in neutralising free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage and supporting overall health4.
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause cellular damage through a process called oxidative stress.
Adding more antioxidants to your diet is linked to a host of reported benefits, from heart, skin and joint health to boosting immune function and reducing inflammation.
Sounds good, right? Just remember that a diverse and balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, is the best way to get a wide range of antioxidants into your diet.
But grass-fed whey is a great way to top up your efforts!
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BETTER AMINO ACID PROFILE
Studies have shown that the rumen of grass-fed cows has higher concentrations of the amino acids, lysine and methionine5. As a result, grass-fed milk delivers more and better protein compared to milk from grain-fed animals.
That also means that grass-fed whey protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, isoleucine and valine. Leucine, in particular, plays a crucial role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis.
BCAAs are essential for muscle recovery, maintenance and growth - perfect if you’re the active type and always on the move. Adding BCAAs (and the other essential amino acids) can kickstart the recovery process6, helping to boost muscle repair.
Find out more about the benefits of grass-fed whey protein.
HERMOSA: THE BEST GRASS-FED WHEY PROTEIN IN THE UK
If you're serious about your nutrition and want to get the most out of your protein supplements, it's worth trying grass-fed whey protein. This natural alternative to conventional whey protein can give you a whole heap of nutritional benefits. Not least an impressive nutrient profile that includes high levels of Omega 3 and CLA fatty acids, as well as a winning combination of quick-release amino acids and cell-protecting antioxidants.
HERMOSA makes the cleanest, tastiest grass-fed whey protein around. Our award-winning grass-fed whey is the exclusive protein powder provider for Barry's UK and comes recommended by The Telegraph in their list of the best protein powders of 2024. Stock up on HERMOSA today and get a taste for the UK’s best grass-fed protein powder.
