You can’t overstate the role that protein plays in keeping your cells healthy and making sure your body is working the way it should. Protein is what gives structure to your skin, hair, nails, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and organs. And at times when your body doesn't get enough energy from carbohydrates or fats, protein can also serve as fuel for your cells. [1]
Protein is one of the three macronutrients you should get from your diet. You need to consume large amounts of these nutrients to maintain optimal health and well-being. The protein you get from foods is composed of amino acids, which your body then uses to make its own proteins. These biomolecules play crucial roles in your body, such as providing structural support for your skin, bones and other tissues.
Because of how important protein is to your body, it’s hardly surprising that not getting enough of it from your diet can lead to many health problems, such as thinning hair, brittle nails and bones, flaky skin, mood swings, weakness, loss of muscle mass, fatty liver and stunted growth in children. It can also weaken your immune system, slow your body’s natural ability to heal and increase your susceptibility to severe infections. [2]
But people deficient in protein are not the only ones who can benefit from incorporating more protein-rich foods into their daily diet. Those who want to maintain a healthy weight, follow a semi-vegetarian diet or do regular strength or endurance training can also benefit from increasing their daily protein intake. If you exercise regularly, you need to boost your protein intake because protein is the building block of muscles. It also provides your body with amino acids to support muscle growth, repair and maintenance.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams (g) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, it’s advisable that you get anywhere between 46 to 56 g of protein daily. If you’re physically active, you can consume up to 2 g/kg body weight of protein daily. [3]
Not all sources of protein are equal
Organic lean meats, poultry, nuts, seeds and milk are some of the best sources of protein. But unhealthy sources, such as non-organic meat, dairy products produced by factory farmed cows and GMO crops like soybean, make their way to people’s plates more often than clean protein sources do. This is because these foods are less expensive than organically grown ones. But you don’t need to break the bank just to meet your daily protein requirement the healthy way. You can also get some of your protein from clean nutritional supplements, such as organic whey protein powder.
Organic milk contains two major types of protein: casein and whey. When milk is processed into cheese, whey, the liquid, separates from the solid curds. Liquid whey is then filtered to remove its fat and lactose content and produce whey protein concentrate. Whey protein supplements are made by drying this concentrate into a fine powder. Because whey protein is a complete protein, it can provide all nine essential amino acids – the ones your body can’t produce – namely histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. [4]
Whey protein is an exceptionally healthy and reliable source of protein, primarily because it is absorbed and utilized more efficiently by your body than many other protein sources. This is why whey protein is popular among athletes, gym-goers, bodybuilders and people who want to introduce more protein into their diet for healthy weight management.
But not all protein powders are created equal. Some may contain additives, such as refined sugar, fillers and artificial flavors, that add extra calories and pose significant health risks. Some whey protein powders sold on the market may also contain dangerously high levels of heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic or cadmium. Therefore, it’s important to choose only lab-verified clean, organic whey protein powder.
The science-backed health benefits of organic whey protein
Organic whey protein supports optimal health in the following ways:*
- It supports healthy muscle growth and recovery
Whey protein can support healthy muscle growth by providing you with essential and non-essential amino acids, which your body needs to build muscles. A study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport also found that taking whey protein after exercise can help promote healthy muscle recovery. [5] According to Australian researchers, consuming whey protein after exercise supports the quick delivery of amino acids to damaged muscles, thereby minimizing the degradation of structural proteins. [6]
- It supports your body's antioxidant production
Supplementing with organic whey protein can support your body’s antioxidant defenses by promoting your body’s natural production of the antioxidant, glutathione.
Some antioxidants are naturally produced by your body, but they can also come from the foods that you eat. These compounds can freely donate electrons to unstable molecules called free radicals without turning into harmful chemicals themselves. By improving your body’s antioxidants levels, you can help protect your body from oxidative stress, which has been linked to various health issues.
But how much glutathione your body can produce depends on its supply of certain amino acids, particularly cysteine. Hence, consuming rich sources of cysteine like whey protein can help support your natural glutathione production. In fact, whey protein concentrate is an effective cysteine “donor” for the replenishment of glutathione levels, according to a review published in the journal Anticancer Research. [7]
- It supports healthy cardiovascular function
According to a 2012 study published in the journal Obesity, organic whey protein can help keep your heart healthy by supporting healthy blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range. Researchers believe whey protein’s positive effects can be attributed to whey-derived peptides called lactokinins. [8]
- It supports healthy immune function
Whey protein is composed of several bioactive fractions, including lactoferrin. Lactoferrin can support multiple aspects of the immune system, according to a 2010 review published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design. [9][10]
- It supports a healthy digestive system
Compared to other types of protein, whey protein is absorbed by your gut more easily, as shown in a study by French researchers. [11] An article published in the journal Food & Function also reported that whey can support good gut bacteria, which is important for the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. [12]
- It supports healthy liver function
Whey protein is a good source of the semi-essential amino acid cysteine, which is one of the three amino acids that make up the antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione is known to support healthy liver function by scavenging free radicals, which can in turn support healthy liver function. Glutathione also has natural detoxifying properties that can support your liver’s natural ability to eliminate harmful substances from your body. [13]
- It supports healthy cognitive function
Whey protein contains a potent bioactive peptide called alpha-lactalbumin. Supplementation with alpha-lactalbumin has been shown to help maintain healthy brain tryptophan levels that are already within the normal range. [14]
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in the production of serotonin and melatonin, the main hormones involved in sleep. Serotonin also influences memory and learning speed. [15] Melatonin, on the other hand, is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the brain from oxidative stress that could lead to cognitive decline. [16]
- It supports sensible weight management goals
Protein is the most filling of the three macronutrients because it affects the levels of several hormones that influence how full you feel after eating. These hormones include ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). [17] [18] [19] [20]
In a study published in Physiology and Behavior, Dutch researchers found that whey protein can help decrease hunger more effectively than casein or soy, possibly because of its amino acid composition and digestibility. [21] As such, whey protein can help reduce your food intake and discourage snacking between meals. When combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet, whey protein can help support sensible weight management goals.
Where to get grass-fed, non-rBGH organic whey protein powder
Organic whey protein powder is one of the most popular and widely available sources of protein on the market. But some whey protein powders contain harmful additives and contaminants, while others are derived from milk produced by cows injected with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH).
rBGH is a man-made hormone used to stimulate milk production in cows. It is commonly used by commercial dairy farmers in the United States. However, the use of rBGH isn’t permitted in Canada and Europe due to concerns that the hormone could trigger the development of cancer or accelerate its progression. [22]
Milk from rBGH-treated cows has unnaturally high levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone that, along with growth hormone (GH), can promote cell growth. But studies have found that abnormally high IGF-1 levels can promote the development of certain tumors. Some studies have even linked high levels of IGF-1 to prostate, breast and colorectal cancers.
This is why the Health Ranger Store is committed to bringing you only non-rBGH, organic whey protein powder. Health Ranger Select Organic Whey Protein Powder is made of high-quality, non-GMO and certified organic whey protein concentrate. It is also sustainably manufactured in the USA without the use of toxic pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic hormones or additives, so you can trust that our organic whey protein powder is one of the cleanest whey protein supplements on the market.
Health Ranger Select Organic Whey Protein Powder provides 24 g of pure protein per serving, as well as a variety of essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin A. You can easily boost not just your intake of protein, but also of other nutrients, with our premium organic whey protein powder.
Health Ranger Select Organic Whey Protein Powder contains no gluten or common allergens. It is also grass-fed, certified Kosher and meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Incorporate organic whey protein powder into your daily diet to boost your protein intake and enjoy the many health benefits of this incredible protein supplement.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://www.healthline.com/
[2] https://www.healthline.com/
[3] https://www.sclhealth.org/
[4] https://www.healthline.com/
[6] https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/
[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[8] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[13]https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[14] https://academic.oup.com/
[16] https://academic.oup.com/
[17] https://academic.oup.com/
[19] https://www.healthline.com/
[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
