Which is better for your gains?
Protein continues to gain in popularity, as it is the building block for muscle mass and with the increase of gym goers, more and more people are looking for it. Whey protein has always been the dominant protein choice among consumers, as it is cheap and effective, but over the past several years there has been a shift toward lactose free alternatives, including beef proteins. Some people have opted to use plant based proteins, however plant based proteins have typically lower biological value and are not as effective, especially for athletes that are very active.
That being said, if you are looking for a lactose free option other than whey, but do not want a vegan protein, perhaps a beef protein is the way to go. So, when it comes down to beef protein vs. whey protein, which comes out on top? Generation Iron weighs in on the specifics of the Beef vs Whey debate, and how MuscleMeds Carnivor Beef Protein Isolate is their muscle building product of the year.
Let’s check it out.
How Popular is Protein?
The global protein supplements market size was valued at USD 20.47 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2021 to 2030. The market is gaining momentum owing to the increasing number of health-conscious consumers and fitness centers around the globe. The increasing popularity of protein supplements among the millennials, coupled with their interest in building health through a balanced diet, is expected to create additional demand for protein supplements.
What is Beef Protein?
No, beef protein is not just ground up beef turned into powder form for you to throw into a shaker cup, it can actually be quite good. Beef protein has gained a tremendous amount of popularity as an animal- based lactose free alternative to whey. Beef protein isolate actually offers high levels of amino acids without any of the lactose found in whey and other dairy proteins. The beef protein category market is growing at an incredibly fast pace in the US and globally far outpacing the rest of the protein category.
So why is beef protein becoming the protein of choice over whey protein?
Beef Protein Compared to Whey Protein
There are numerous factors that can be examined when comparing beef protein and whey protein supplements. Let’s take a look.
Muscular Benefits
There have been a number of studies performed on the effects of beef protein vs whey protein. One study in 2015 had 30 experienced male and female weightlifters supplement with beef and whey proteins post workout, combined with carbohydrates for an 8 week period. The group that utilized beef protein daily saw an increase of 5.7% lean muscle mass increase, while the whey protein group saw a 4.7% increase. Fat mass saw a greater reduction in the beef protein group as well, with a final result of 10.8% reduction vs 8.3% from the whey protein group.
In another study, the micronutrient content of beef protein truly shined when it comes to performance. Over a 10 week period, 24 triathlon athletes put beef protein and whey protein face to face to determine which would have the greater impact on performance. The beef protein group saw superior changes in body composition, as well as improved iron levels in the athlete's body throughout the rigorous 10 week training period. The beef protein group was able to combat some vitamin and mineral deficiencies and preserve lean muscle mass more efficiently.
Dietary Benefits
Some athletes will rule whey protein out of the picture from the start who follow certain eating practices or have dietary restrictions. For one, those who follow a Paleo diet will find beef protein to be the perfect fit for their needs.
Another dietary benefit of beef protein is ease on the stomach. Whey protein contains lactose, and not everyone is able to handle that, as it can cause an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal issues. That being said, those with sensitivity to lactose will find that beef protein is the ideal source for fast digesting protein with no stomach discomfort.
The Best Beef Protein
Now, when it comes to finding a beef protein, there are a lot more on the market, so it can be hard to choose.
MuscleMeds Carnivor
MuscleMeds Carnivor leads the industry as the number one beef protein in the world, sold in over 60 countries! Carnivor contains no gluten, is stripped of all fat and cholesterol, and is lactose free, so you do not have to worry about an upset stomach when you consume it.
Each serving packs in 23g of pure hydrolyzed beef isolate protein, which is right around what is said to be the ideal protein intake for one sitting. Many studies point to the body only being able to digest 20-30 grams of protein at once, so 23 grams hits that sweet spot and you are not wasting any.
When it comes to how it is made, the hydrolyzation process of MuscleMeds Carnivor “pre-digests” the protein in order to make it as easy as possible for your body to break it down and utilize it, allowing for rapid digestion similar to whey protein. However, as stated above, it contains no lactose so digestion should be a little easier on the stomach.
When compared to whole food, MuscleMeds Carnivor Beef Protein contains 350% the amino acid content of steak and none of the fat or cholesterol. Compared to whey protein or whole food, Carnivor is your superior choice for maximum muscle building, digestibility, and of course flavor. Aside from that, MuscleMeds Carnivor only contains 3 grams of carbs and is 100 calories per serving, so it is perfect for building muscle and burning fat.
Carnivor is offered in 7 delicious flavors all around the globe.
Wrap Up
Overall, when it comes to beef protein vs. whey protein, beef has a lot of benefits that it brings to the table. It is easier on the stomach, can help to add more muscle mass, burn more body fat, and overall is a great option when looking for non-dairy protein. MuscleMeds Carnivor is a great option for you to try, which you can shop around right on our site!
