IS NATIVE WHEY PROTEIN THE BEST PROTEIN POWDER AVAILABLE?

What is Native Whey and what does it mean?

You may have seen the term “Native Whey” thrown around recently and been confused with exactly what this means, don’t worry you’re not alone. Fear not, our nutrition experts break down the facts, science and health benefits of this truly innovative form of protein powder, unlike anything else you used before.

We all know the standard Whey Protein supplements that have been around for years, so why is Native Whey protein different? Having recently hit the market, this new form of Whey Protein is gaining popularity as a premium option to add to your supplement regime. Keep reading to understand what sets Native Whey Isolate apart as a high-performance supplement and why it just might become your new protein of choice.

What Makes Native Whey Different?

1. Native Whey Vs Regular Whey Protein

Did you know that regular Whey protein is cheese derived? Not many people do, but this means that milk is first treated with heat (which destroys the high vitamin content of dairy foods) and then chemicals to separate the Whey. It is then blended and added into your favourite supplement brand’s protein powder.

This is where Native Whey is different. It undergoes a unique processing method which means that Native Whey protein comes directly from farm fresh milk. It’s then treated in a uniquely natural way to ensure it remains as close to the original protein source as possible. Lets see how this done.

2. No Heat Processing or Chemicals with Native Whey

Native Whey protein sets itself apart through undergoing a state-of-the-art extraction process. It’s a bit technical but essentially cold milk is filtered through an intricate, delicate and finely tuned process of microfiltration, nanofiltration and low temperature drying to avoid damaging the protein structures.

This direct process allows the intact protein to be digested by our bodies in a more natural way, without the unnecessary chemicals and additives that some companies may use to develop traditional whey protein. These traditional processing methods using heat tend to result in an ultra-processed form of Whey protein. This is classified as ‘denaturing’, which really explains the process in itself (de-natured) but additionally contains a lower nutrient and amino acid profile. On the flipside Native Whey is classified as undenatured and is popular with bodybuilders, athletes and anyone wanting the best protein powder available.

3. Higher Leucine Levels and Bio-Availability with Native Whey Isolate

High quality ingredients, innovative filtration and lack of additives result in a supplement that is more bioavailable and able to assist with recovery to a greater extent. Native Whey’s intact protein structures ensure it has higher levels of BCAAs & EAAs. Most notably Native Whey Proteins contain higher levels of Leucine & L-Glutamine than standard Whey.

Leucine is the main building block behind muscular growth & repair as it is responsible for switching on Muscle Protein Synthesis- the higher the Leucine, the better the rate of recovery. L-Glutamine also plays an important role in recovery and has been shown to protect against the stressors your body experiences during intense periods or training.

Supplementing with a product which contains higher amounts of protein, BCAAs, EAAs, Leucine and L-Glutamine  per serve such as Native Whey, can allow you to maintain your strength and power and keep you feeling fit and healthy.

4. Superior Muscle Adaptation and Recovery with Native Whey

Research has shown that Native Whey proteins produce superior muscle power adaptations compared with standard Whey proteins through a faster absorption rate and an increased level of naturally occurring amino acids. This has also been shown to promote a faster rate of recovery & neuromuscular adaptation post-training compared to your standard protein supplement.[1]

Are There Negatives of Native Whey?

It’s a very good question and one our experts will try to answer when considering is native whey protein powder right for you? The superior filtration methods and innovative advances in Native Whey protein production make Native Whey unrivaled in terms quality, amino profile and speed of absorption[1], so it’s hard to find a downside. Due to the direct sourcing from fresh cows milk (and not a process of cheese making), the taste is creamier however it can be thinner than regular whey protein when mixed with liquid. With less additives and fillers Native Whey can also foam a little more when shaken, much like high protein egg whites. The final fact in consideration is price. This premium form of whey isolate can attract a higher price than cheaper forms of whey protein including concentrate, casein or regular isolate.

Should I try out Native Whey Isolate Protein

As you can see, Native Whey is a premium form of protein powder. High quality ingredients and minimal processing creates a clean, pure and highly functional supplement. If you are interested in nutrition and maximising your training adaptations, making Native Whey the foundation of your supplement stack is a foolproof method to reach your goals.

[1] *Garcia-Vicencio et al. A Moderate Supplementation of Native Whey Protein Promotes Better Muscle Training and Recovery Adaptations Than Standard Whey Protein – A 12-Week Electrical Stimulation and Plyometrics Training Study. Frontiers in Physiol. 2018;9:1312.