Ingredient Highlight: Grass-fed Whey Protein

If you’re an active person looking to fuel your adventures, or just want to add more protein to your diet, you’ve probably come across whey protein as a popular supplement choice. But do you actually know the benefits of whey? And have you ever considered the difference between regular whey protein and grass-fed whey protein?

If not, no worries — we’ll be sharing that info and more in this article. You’ll discover why grass-fed whey protein can be a game changer for your performance and well-being, and why we use this super ingredient in Keto Bricks.

What Is Whey Protein, Anyway?

Whey protein is a high-quality protein made from milk during the cheese-making process. When milk is curdled and strained, the liquid portion that separates from the curds is whey. This liquid whey is then processed to create a concentrated source of protein.

Whey protein is all the rage in the fitness and health community due to its impressive amino acid profile. It contains all nine essential amino acids that the body needs to function optimally.

The Three Types of Whey Protein

There are three forms of whey protein available, including:[*]

• Whey protein concentrate: This is the least processed option. It contains 35-80% protein, with fat, lactose (a sugar found in milk), and minerals making up the rest. Since it’s higher in fat than other types, it’s an excellent option for keto folks.

• Whey protein isolate: This option undergoes additional processing to remove most of the fats and lactose. It contains 85-90% protein.

• Whey hydrolysate: This option is pre-digested, which means it’s broken down for faster absorption. This makes it a good choice for those with sensitive stomachs or who need rapid nutrient uptake.

Grass-Fed Whey Protein: A Step Up from Regular Whey

When it comes to whey protein, the source of the milk plays a crucial role in determining its quality and nutritional benefits. Grass-fed whey protein is made from the milk of cows that graze on natural pastures, rather than being confined and fed a primarily grain diet. This difference in the cows’ diet and lifestyle translates into a superior protein supplement for several reasons:

• Nutrient density: Cows that eat grass instead of grain produce milk that’s richer in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene.[*]

• Cleaner source: Grass-fed cows are typically raised without the use of antibiotics and growth hormones, which are common in conventional dairy farming. This makes grass-fed whey a cleaner, more natural choice.

• Enhanced flavor and texture: Many people find that grass-fed whey has a superior taste and texture than regular whey. The natural diet of the cows imparts a richer, creamier flavor to the milk, which carries over into the whey protein.

Feel-good bonus? Grass-fed farming practices are often more sustainable and environmentally friendly than conventional methods.

The Benefits of Grass-Fed Whey Protein

Grass-fed whey protein isn’t just another fleeting health trend with no real benefits (anyone else have a supplement graveyard?). It offers a range of advantages that can significantly enhance your health and athletic performance. Here’s how:

#1: Enhances Muscle Growth and Recovery

Grass-fed whey protein is a complete protein that’s rich in all nine essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, which are crucial for building and repairing muscle tissues.[*] This makes an excellent choice for post-workout recovery.[*] The higher nutrient density of grass-fed whey further supports muscle repair and growth, giving you an edge in your training regimen.

#2: Helps You Lose Body Fat

Increased protein intake is a well-known weight loss strategy. It may help melt off those extra pounds by:

• Suppressing appetite by increasing satiety-inducing hormones, such as peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).[*]

• Boosting metabolism, helping you burn more calories.[*]

• Helping you maintain muscle mass, which is especially important during weight loss.[*]

Additionally, for those following the keto diet, the low-carb and higher fat content of grass-fed whey protein concentrate — the type used in Keto Brick — can support ketosis, helping your body stay in that coveted fat-burning state.

#3: Boosts Antioxidant Power  

Grass-fed whey protein is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene, which are crucial for protecting your body against oxidative stress.[*] Additionally, grass-fed whey provides plentiful amino acids, namely cysteine, glutamate, and glycine, which are needed for the body to produce glutathione. 

Glutathione is known as the “master antioxidant” due to its role in combating cell damage linked to various health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer.[*]

Several studies in both humans and animals have found that whey protein may reduce oxidative stress and increase glutathione levels in the body — a major win for your health![*][*]

#4: Reduces Heart Disease Risk Factors

Heart disease has been the #1 killer for more than a century.[*] While strategies like regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and quality sleep are well-known to lower your risk, did you know that whey protein can also make a difference?

Grass-fed whey protein is a powerhouse when it comes to heart health. Its rich antioxidant content helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both major contributors to heart disease. Plus, the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) found in grass-fed whey support better cardiovascular function.[*]

A 2017 review of nine studies found that participants who were supplementing with whey protein experienced improvements in several heart disease risk factors, including blood pressure, glucose, heart-protective HDL, and total cholesterol.[*]

#5: Helps Control Blood Sugar

Insulin is a hormone that stimulates blood sugar uptake into cells, keeping blood sugar levels within healthy limits. Whey protein has been found to be particularly effective at moderating blood sugar by increasing both insulin levels and sensitivity to its effects.[*]

Compared to other protein sources like egg whites and fish, whey protein appears to come out on top.[*] This makes grass-fed whey protein a valuable ally in preventing and managing diabetes, especially when combined with other healthy lifestyle measures.

Get Your Dose of Grass-Fed Whey with Keto Brick

Keto Bricks are shelf-stable, gluten-free performance bars designed to make your life easier and keep you energized. These 1,000-calorie bars make for an effortless meal replacement or an addition to regular meals when an extra boost of dietary fats and protein is needed.

The Bricks seamlessly fit into keto macros with a composition of 82% fat, 12% protein, and 6% carbs. Quality is our top priority, and we cut zero corners. Each Brick is made in-house with zero bad ingredients, ensuring you get only the best in every bite.

We offer both vegan and non-vegan options, with each ingredient selected for its distinct, health-boosting benefits. Some of the standout ingredients in Keto Bricks include:

• Grass-fed and pastured whey protein: Our whey protein is 100% grass-fed and comes from cows that have not received hormones, antibiotics, or vaccines. It’s processed using cold-water microfiltration technologies to preserve the bioactive protein subfractions and minimize denaturation. Translation? These processes ensure you get the highest quality protein possible. Keto Brick flavors made with grass-fed whey include Banana Muffin, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Malt, Milk ‘N’ Cookies, and Bell’s Brownie Batter. (The other four Brick flavors are vegan and made with pea and organic brown rice protein instead of whey — plant-based eaters need their protein and healthy fats, too!)

• Raw, organic cacao butter: Fun fact: cacao butter is the best source of stearic acid, which fuels fat loss, supports heart health, and boosts energy (just to name a few benefits!).  

• Pure MCT powder: Medium-chain triglycerides powder encourages ketone production and boosts mental and physical endurance.

• Stevia and monk fruit extract: These natural sweeteners add a hint of sweetness without the adverse effects of added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or sugar alcohols.

💪🏼Make macro counting a breeze and power your day with Keto Bricks. Find your favorite flavors today — with nine mouth-watering options, there’s a Brick for every palate.