The right protein is as important as exercise.
Like it or not, muscle loss is a natural part of aging. To prevent flabby muscles, most people head to the gym. But even a consistent weight-lifting regimen may not be enough to prevent flab.
“The older we get, the more we need to eat sufficient protein to keep muscles from atrophying,” writes Nan Kathryn Fuchs, PhD, in this month’s Women’s Health Letter. We also don’t digest what protein we do get as well as we did when we were younger.
Recent research in the Journal of Applied Physiology finds that consuming whey protein stimulates muscle more effectively than either casein or soy. Not surprisingly, whey protein is also the favorite of most athletes and body builders.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
In addition, when the body is low in protein, fluid leaks into the spaces between cells, where it can become trapped. This causes cellulite, bloating, and water weight gain.
The Right Whey
Not all whey protein is created equal, though. Many dairy farmers in this country continue to inject their herds with rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin), an artificial growth hormone.
Produced by Monsanto, this genetically engineered hormone artificially increases milk production—potentially creating at least 20 toxic side effects in cows including mastitis, a painful bacterial infection of the udder. Samuel S. Epstein, MD, finds the risks aren’t limited to animals—rBST increases human’s risk for cancer as well.
A1 versus A2 Protein
Most cows in the United States produce what is known as A1 milk. A1 protein is a genetic mutation found in Holstein and most modern breeds. Dr. Fuchs reports that A1 protein forms a tiny peptide that’s actually a narcotic, which can be linked to various illnesses. No wonder researchers have linked whey protein from A1 cows to diabetes, digestive problems, and heart disease.
By contrast, the original non-mutant A2 protein—available from Guernsey as well as Australia and New Zealand cows—is easier to digest—and has not been associated with disease, the way A1 protein has. A2 protein also contains the amino acid proline that supports collagen and help fight aging.
“If you want to stop the flab of aging muscles and increase your strength, you want undenatured whey from grass-fed cows from A2 milk. The best quality whey protein powder I’ve found is Fat Flush Whey Protein,” writes Dr. Fuchs.
“It’s a whey concentrate that comes from grass-fed New Zealand cows. While not all cows from New Zealand are guaranteed to give A2 milk—unless they have been certified through expensive DNA testing—90% are,” she adds.
Sources:
Fat Flush for Life
www.womenshealthletter.com/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20084391
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19589961
www.sustainabletable.org/spread/handouts/rBGH.pdf
http://thebovine.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/alternet-alleges-dairy-industry-knows-a1-milk-may-endanger-your-health/
Just wanted to add that the flavor of the vanilla and chocolate protein is sooooooo good! I’ve had tried other milkshake protein but the flavor cannot compare so this is the only one my husband and I drink now.
Not only is the flavor the best on the market, the consistency can not be matched by other brands. Fat Flush Whey Protein makes the creamiest smoothies and are
a real treat!
My husband wonders why I spend a fortune on our grass-fed organic milk, but the more I read about it, the more I realize what an excellent choice I am making!
Where can you find grass fed organic milk. Is it available at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods?
Whole Foods or a health food store should carry organic, antiobiotic and hormone-free milk.
Can I get the Fat Flush Whey Protein at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods? I get my cranberry juice at Trader Joe’s. Its less expensive thatn the regular grocery store.
Janis- Unfortunately, you can not find it at Trader Joe’s. Uni Key Health would be the best place to find it: http://www.unikeyhealth.com
Dr. Anne,
Kindly advise if the Whey Protein will help get rid of my cellulite. Thanks
I was wondering if you carry Goat Whey in your store?
I have a problem with whey in protein form, have tried it & repeatedly had the reaction – is there any other protein equivalent that I could try? I have heard there is wheat protein powder and assume this is protein only? & not carbs
I was wondering if someone could recommend another Whey protein product that I can by at a store. I am very limited financially and can’t afford the one on uni-key.
Dr. Gittleman,
I’m curious about your thoughts on egg white protein(albumin)? I take enzymes to digest the proteins I ingest and have always faired better with egg protein powder in that regard. Does whey protein have lactose?
check out: Genuine Health proteins +, high alpha whey protein, wwwgenuinehealth.com It is a Canadian manufacturer…Being Canadian, I found ordering any product from Unikey outrageously exp because of shipping and have looked for viable compliments to continue Dr. Ann Louise’s health system, and am very happy with it all. Thanks!