The rise in popularity of protein supplementation has become prevalent in recent years, likely in correlation to the increase in popularity of bodybuilding and a shift towards the pursuit of healthier lifestyles.
Because protein is the building block of our body, we must consume enough of it daily. Protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair (by way of protein synthesis), and, most importantly, protein is crucial for optimal human function and development.
Regarding protein powder supplements as a means of protein consumption, the most popular is, of course, whey protein.
Derived from cows milk, whey protein is arguably the most studied, most used, and most effective protein powder on the market bodybuilders and athletes alike supplement with to build muscle mass.
However, several effective alternatives have come to the market in recent years, and they’re giving whey protein powder a run for its money. One of those alternatives? Beef protein isolate powder!
So, what’s the reason for the rise in popularity of beef protein powder in particular? Aside from its high amino acid profile, beef protein isolate has arguably the highest protein concentration per 30 grams.
In this article, then, we’ll be focusing on the incredible benefits of beef protein isolate powder. We’ll discuss what it is for those who haven’t heard of it before, how it’s made, when to use it, how to use it, the benefits of supplementing with it, as well as some of the few disadvantages of it.
Lastly, we’ll do a fun and informative comparison between beef protein and its most significant competitor in whey. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it!
First, what is beef protein powder?!
What is Beef Protein Powder?
As you can probably guess, beef protein isolate is a protein powder extracted from beef flesh. Undergoing a specific manufacturing process to remove the carbs and fats, beef protein powder is one of the most nutrient-dense, amino-rich, protein-protein-packed powders on the market!
This protein-rich powder is an incredible source of essential amino acids like alanine, glycine, and proline. It offers the benefits of BCAA’s, including the ever-popular leucine, valine, and isoleucine.
Wondering how it’s made, when to use it, and how to use it for optimal results and enjoyment? Let’s get into it!
How it’s Made
To make Beef Protein isolate Powder, the flesh of beef is boiled. This is performed to produce a nutrient-dense liquid high in essential amino acids. Next, this nutrient-dense liquid extracted from beef flesh is skimmed. Skimming removes the carbs and fats and isolates the high-quality protein. Lastly, this amino-amino-rich protein concentration is dried and processed to create the final powder form.
When to Use it
As all protein powder supplementation goes, using it is mainly at the consumer’s discretion. With that said, it’s not a typical protein powder to consume at breakfast for obvious reasons.
Nevertheless, whether you want to consume it as a post-workout shake, or a midnight snack, that is totally up to you! Depending on our goals, drinking a 1-2 scoop shake within 1-2 hours of a workout is optimal for muscle growth and repair.
How to Use it
With one 30 gram scoop containing an astonishing 29.5 grams of protein, beef protein isolate is one the most protein-rich protein powders on the market. As such, most of those who supplement with it are likely to pursue a muscle-building goal.
Because of this, a standard protein shake is likely the best option for consuming beef protein isolate powder. However, beef protein powder tends to elicit a saltier taste than others. Because of this, you may want to mix it with a secondary flavor profile like chocolate or peanut butter to mask the salt. Mixing with water or fruit juice may result in an underwhelming taste.
Lastly, one-scoop per shake is likely optimal. Because of its high protein content, your body is likely only able to digest one serving per sitting. For reference, humans are only able to digest, on average, 50 grams of protein per meal.
Benefits of Beef Protein Powder
The benefits of supplementing with beef protein isolate powder are vast. Whether you’re a bodybuilder or not, getting a portion of your daily protein intake from a high-quality protein source like beef will provide benefits you’ll be happy to experience.
Not only is beef protein isolates packed with essential and branched-chain amino acids as discussed earlier, but its nutritional profile, along with its protein content, is undeniable.
Below is a list of the several benefits of supplementing with beef protein isolate. In what follows, we’ll do a deep dive into each benefit separately:
• Rich Amino Acid Profile
• Incredibly High in Protein
• Low in Fats and Carbs
• Promotes Healthy Joints
• High Source of Creatine
• Hypoallergenic
If you didn’t know of the abundant offerings that beef protein powder provides, now you do! Although whey protein is still the superior choice to most. Those who supplement with protein might consider beef protein powder as a close second option.
However before we get into the comparisons, we first need to discuss each benefit in a little more detail.
Rich Amino Acid Profile
Beef protein isolate powder is a complete protein containing an abundance of essential and non-essential amino acids. Inclusive in the amino acid profile are aspartic acid, lysine, leucine, and arginine, with the most abundant being glutamic acid!
Beef protein powder also contains BCAA’s, or branched-chain amino acids, incredible for muscle recovery, repair, and energy, among other things.
Incredibly High in Protein
As mentioned above, beef protein powders are a complete protein source abundant in essential amino acids, both essential and non-essential. Just as protein is the body’s building block, amino acids are the building blocks of protein.
Moreover, per 30 grams of pure beef protein powder, 29.5 grams is pure, high-quality protein!
Low in Fats and Carbs
In part, thanks to the manufacturing process, beef protein powder is extremely low, almost non-existent of fats and carbs. Because of the extraction of amino acids from beef flesh itself, fats and carbs are left behind in the process, resulting in pure beef protein.
This is beneficial for several reasons. However, the primary reason is that those who supplement with protein powder supplement it for a reason. The last thing they want to consume in conjunction with their protein shake? Additional, unnecessary fats and carbs.
Promotes Healthy Joints
Unlike other protein powders on the market, beef protein powder has the unique benefit of promoting healthy joints. Why? Because of its rich collagen contents! So, if you’re looking for a collagen supplement, you may be better off supplementing with beef protein powder and getting an optimal dosage of protein while you’re at it!
Higher Source of Creatine
Because beef protein powder derives from beef, similar to many cuts of animal meat, beef protein powder contains a sufficient amount of creatine. If you don’t know, creatine is the most researched supplement globally, with the benefits of speeding up and enhancing muscle growth, repair, and more.
Hypoallergenic
Unlike its competitor, whey protein, beef protein powder is a soy-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, gluten-free source of protein. This is an incredible benefit for many living with allergies of the former.
For those allergic to said allergens, beef protein powder is a superior alternative.
Disadvantages of Supplementing With Beef Protein Powder
Before we dive in, it’s worth pointing out that beef protein powder supplementation is widely safe and effective unless you have an allergy to beef that would be highly unlikely and uncommon.
With that said, it’s essential to cover all bases and discuss all, if any, potential disadvantages or side effects of supplementing with beef protein powder. Below is a list of the few possible side effects and disadvantages of supplementing beef protein powder.
In what follows, we’ll dive a little deeper into each one separately:
• Tends to Elicit a Saltier Taste
• Poor Mixability
• Lower Absorption Rate
First, beef protein powder is known to elicit a salty taste if not mixed properly because of its rich sodium content.
Because of this, it makes it difficult to make a standard protein shake with water or milk. Instead, you may want to consider mixing it with another protein powder, adding fat like peanut butter or chocolate, or adding a little natural sweetener like stevia to mask the salty taste.
Second, beef protein powder is known to mix poorly. In other words, no matter how hard you shake it, you’re likely to end up with small particles of the powder as you drink it. This, for obvious reasons, is a deterrent for some.
Lastly, unlike its counterparts, beef protein powder isn’t as absorbable as other protein powders on the market. As such, your body won’t be able to absorb all that beef offers nutritionally, from its amino acids, vitamins and minerals, protein, and creatine, among other things. Nevertheless, beef protein powder is still an incredible protein powder, all things considered.
Beef Protein vs Whey Protein
It’s the battle of the proteins!
Jokes aside, to see the true value of beef protein powder, it’s essential to discuss and compare the differences and similarities with the most popular protein supplement on the market, whey.
In short, whey protein is the most studied, most used, and most effective protein supplement on the market today. This complete protein source contains an optimal amount of amino acids, both essential and branched-chain, it contains a generous amount of vitamins and minerals, and it has an optimal amount of protein per serving.
Moreover, whey protein mixes well, its highly digestible, and most importantly, is delicious. In summary, It’s hard to argue that there is anything better on the market that compares even closely to whey protein.
In comes beef protein powder…
Beef protein powder actually stacks up quite well to its greatest competitor. Not only is it a complete source of protein, containing all the essential and branched-chain amino acids, including leucine, the most desired for muscle growth. But it also contains a higher amount of protein per 30-gram scoop; 29.5 grams vs whey’s 24-25 grams.
Unfortunately, beef tends to lose out due to its salty taste. While there are ways to combat this, the convenience of simply not having to worry about it in the first place gives whey a clear lead.
In summary, both beef protein and whey protein powders are incredible sources of protein supplements. If you’re looking for a well-rounded protein source that you can rely on for just about anything, whey protein might just be your go-to choice.
However, if you’re simply looking to consume as much protein in one serving as possible, beef protein is going to be the choice for you. Moreover, beef takes a massive lead if you have any type of allergy to soy, dairy, and lactose.
Unfortunately for whey, it’s derived from a dairy source, a source that many are allergic to.
So, if you want to get to the bottom of this debate, you’re going to have to try them both for yourself. Like any supplement choice, it comes down to individual preferences and goals. Nevertheless, you truly can’t go wrong with either option!
Wrapping Up
The benefits of supplementing with beef protein powder are unarguable. After all, the primary reason for those who supplement with protein powder is to, well, increase or reach their daily protein intake. Using beef protein powder as your primary supplement source will undoubtedly accomplish this pursuit.
Moreover, while beef protein powder does have its disadvantages and potential side effects for a small minority, it’s not uncommon for all supplements to have the same. With that said, this doesn’t discount the value that this protein source offers.
When it comes to health, wellness, and fitness, the choice is yours to make. However, suppose you’re eager to perform better in the gym, be a healthier individual in daily life, and ensure you’re consuming an adequate amount of protein daily. In that case, beef protein is an incredible option to do so.
If you’re still uncertain whether or not this protein powder is for you, it doesn’t hurt to try! Heck, it may just become your go-to protein supplement!
See also:
