Whey Vs Beef Protein: Which is better?

Since the launch of our Beef Protein Powder, we’ve had a lot of questions about how it compares to whey protein, and whether the benefits are the same. The short answer is that it completely depends upon your goals, and your body’s ability to digest and assimilate nutrients. The health and wellness market is saturated with whey protein powders, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best type of protein to consume. Let’s dive a little deeper into the differences between whey protein and beef protein.

Whey Protein Can Trigger Digestive Disturbances

Whilst most humans are born with an ability to digest lactose, we begin to lose this ability after infancy. Around age 5, the lactase enzymes the body uses to digest dairy reduce, meaning many of us experience lactose malabsorption, otherwise known as ‘lactose intolerance’. Experts estimate that around 68% of the world’s population has some sort of lactose intolerance, which is most common in those with African and Asian heritage, as well as those with low vitamin D levels, and is one of the most common intolerances today.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after consuming dairy (including whey), it may suggest your body is a little intolerant:

·      Bloating

·      Gas

·      Abdominal pain

·      Loose stool or diarrhoea

·      Rumbling sounds in your stomach

·      Nausea

·      Vomiting

If you experience these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to pour your raw dairy milk down the drain, as raw milk facilitates the production of the lactase enzyme in the digestive tract, allowing many people who are dairy intolerant to enjoy it. It’s important to note though, that raw dairy is very different to pasteurised dairy and processed whey…

Whey Protein Can Trigger Inflammation & Nutrient Malabsorption

Lactose intolerance isn’t reserved for milk, it’s related to whey protein too. Many people who cannot tolerate dairy in large amounts have issues with whey protein, leading to the symptoms above. Now, even if you only notice mild symptoms when you consume whey protein, it’s essential to pay attention to them, because every time your body experiences a reaction to whey, it causes an inflammatory immune response. The more often you trigger this inflammatory immune response, the more inflamed the body will become, especially within the gut. If the gut is in a chronically inflamed state, this sets the stage for a decreased ability to absorb nutrients, including whey itself. If you’re already dealing with an inflammatory condition such as IBS, Crohn’s, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema or endometriosis, consuming whey if you can’t digest it properly can make the issue a lot worse.

So, when we get asked if whey is better than beef protein, for many people the answer is no, because it can lead to damaging digestive issues that may cause nutrient deficiencies and even trigger autoimmune issues.

Beef Protein Is Easy To Digest & Is Non-Inflammatory

One of the reasons we created our Beef Protein Powder was to provide a high quality, non-inflammatory alternative to the many whey protein powders on the market, and we’ve already heard from so many of you who are loving it and are able to digest it a lot easier than previous protein powders you’ve used.  Our beef protein is also an isolate, meaning it is absorbed into the bloodstream more efficiently, and the body can absorb the nutrients within it more easily.

Compared to whey protein, beef protein is also non inflammatory, meaning it doesn’t trigger an inflammatory immune response like whey can, and is easily tolerated by those with allergies to diary. Beef protein contains an amino acid profile that includes good levels of glycine, which is an amino acid that actually reduces inflammation, as well as aiding in collagen formation, liver protection, mood balance, immune health, heart health and blood sugar regulation. Beef protein is also higher in the amino acid proline, which plays an important role in protein synthesis and structure, skin health, cardiovascular health and prevention of atherosclerosis.

Beef Protein Vs Whey Protein For Muscle Building

Beef protein and whey protein contain different amino acid profiles, and therefore can have different effects upon the body. This is one of the big questions we’re asked, and it’s important to understand why there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ answer.

On paper, whey looks like it would be better for increasing muscle mass due to the higher levels of the amino acid leucine, however, if you don’t digest whey very well, this may very well limit your ability to actually absorb it, as well as causing other problems that we discussed above, such as increased inflammation, digestive disturbance, malabsorption of nutrients, and potential autoimmune triggers. Beef protein on the other hand, aids in lean muscle building, and is a strong source of collagen, which aids in the health of joints, hair, skin, nails and the gut, combatting leaky gut and working to heal the gut lining, thus reducing inflammation and symptoms of leaky gut such as allergies, skin conditions, digestive disturbance, hormonal imbalances, headaches and much more. So, it all depends upon what you want. Whey may boost muscle mass, but it can also cause long term problems, whilst beef protein builds muscle mass and can aid in improving long term health.

Whey Vs Beef Protein

Overall, beef protein is a better choice if you:

·      Want to build muscle mass and strengthen your joints at the same time

·      Want to improve skin, hair, nails and gut health

·      Need an easy-to-digest protein powder

·      Follow a carnivore, keto or animal-based diet

·      Don’t tolerate dairy

·      Have any inflammatory conditions (such as IBS, Crohn’s, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, eczema, etc)

·      Are prone to bloating and digestive issues

·      Have damage to the gut (ie ‘leaky gut’)

Written by Emma Newlyn 

Emma is a health and nutrition coach who specialises in blending ancient wisdom and modern health techniques to help people feel well inside and out.Emma brings over 12 years of experience in the health industry to Ape Nutrition, and specialises in answering your nutrition and supplement questions, and creating articles on many different areas of wellbeing.