Likely because of its natural association with building muscle, women tend to be a little hesitant when it comes to taking whey protein powder.
In truth, however, everyone – regardless of gender can benefit from whey. That is if they make the right decision when picking out the product. So, what is the best whey protein powder for women?
Go Grass-Fed
The vast majority of farm-grown cows are fed grains in a system called a feed-lot, whether they are raised for meat or dairy. These usually small spaces allow the farmers to keep a close eye on their animals and therefore they have tons of control over what the animals eat.
Since corn and other grains are relatively cheap, these are the feeds of choice in most commercial farms. These grains are often grown using a variety of fertilizers and pesticides, which are still present when the food reaches the cows. It is also possible that the grains include Genetically Modified Organisms. Worth noting, as well, is that fact that these grains are not naturally part of the cows’ diet.
In addition to any substances that may be added to the feed, the feed-lot allows makes it easy for the farmer to regularly inject the cows with hormones and antibiotics to influence the animals' health, milk production and growth rates.
In stark contrast, grass-fed cows are allowed to graze in open pastures, eating organically grown food that they would naturally eat. They are also kept free from GMOs, hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals that are typically used in dairy farming. Apart from resulting in a whey that is ethically sourced and free from a variety of potentially harmful chemicals, grass-feeding directly influences the nutritional profile of the whey. Any dairy produced by a grass-fed cow will be higher in healthy omega-3 and conjugated linoleic fatty acids and contain fewer saturated fats.
Grass-fed whey then is the best whey protein powder for women because it helps to support a healthy metabolism, protects cardiovascular health and can even improve cognitive function.
Stick With Concentrates
Typically, whey protein is classified as either “concentrate,” “isolate,” or “hydrolysate.” Both isolates and hydrolysates have gone through extensive processing to breakdown the bonds between the proteins and to remove anything besides protein. Ultimately, this creates a supplement that is rich in protein that can be quickly absorbed.
Here’s the problem: whey is already rich in protein that can be quickly absorbed. That extra processing then, removes other highly beneficial compounds and greatly increases the cost – all to only slightly increase the protein concentration. We always recommend sticking with 'concentrate' protein powders as it is generally more beneficial.
Stay Clean
As mentioned above, grass-fed whey is generally free from chemical additives or other substances that you may be wary of. At least, until it gets to the manufacturer. Very often, companies will add a wide variety of dyes, preservatives, flavorings, sweeteners, anti-caking agents and any number of other substances to their whey before packing it any in its tub.
These additives have been linked with an increased risk in cancer, diabetes, obesity, behavioral problems and even hormonal disruptions. The best whey protein powder for women, then, will be clean – completely free from any of these potentially harmful additives.