Whey concentrate, isolate, native or hydrolyzed, the protein powder most prized by athletes comes in many variations. That said, we rarely hear of raw whey.
On the face of it, this variant should be the least denatured and therefore the most beneficial. Why is it that there is little or no raw whey on the market? Is classic whey a processed product after all? As you will discover, this protein powder is the result of milk filtration.
It corresponds to dehydrated whey. Raw whey takes the form of a whitish powder rich in amino acids. Nevertheless, it doesn't really have the qualities of a ready-to-use dietary supplement.
For example, this product will tend to foam a lot , and its flavor is not the most pleasant. Producers therefore often use additives to mask these characteristics, which consumers won't appreciate. In any case, the least processed whey will be much healthier.
An increasing number of scientific studies tend to prove that additives can cause various disorders in human health. Fortunately, a number of brands are now striving to offer additive-free protein powders.
How is whey made?
Contrary to popular belief, whey is not normally a protein-rich cocktail of chemicals. This natural dietary supplement is filtered from cow's milk.
It is obtained by separating the casein from the whey and removing the fat and lactose. Thanks to microfiltration and ultrafiltration, producers are able to isolate and purify whey. This is then dehydrated to obtain raw whey.
At this stage, the process does not involve the use of chemicals. The milk is filtered mechanically. No enrichment takes place, despite the high protein content.
Raw whey is very rich in whey protein (generally >70%): a complete protein, rich in essential amino acids and BCAAs, perfectly suited to the needs of athletes.
So far, the product is a whitish powder. It should be noted that some unscrupulous manufacturers use chemical whitening agents to obtain a better color...
In any case, it's not ready for the market. Raw whey does not dissolve properly in water. It foams enormously and may cause concern among consumers. What's more, this protein powder has a very strong, rather unpleasant flavor.
For many brands, this means adding additives to correct these imperfections. Usually, manufacturers add lecithins to reduce foaming.
Other ingredients such as artificial flavors, sucralose or thickeners will give a better taste or a thicker texture.
The result is whey concentrate, or isolate, or hydrolyzed whey (depending on the degree of filtration), ready for use by athletes. But these additives are not without impact on consumer health in the long term...
Can I consume raw whey?
Raw whey already possesses all the nutritional qualities associated with proteins that you would expect to find in a finished product. It provides all the amino acids you may need. These proteins are also very well tolerated by the body.
Although, nutritionally, raw whey can be used in any sport, whether you're looking to build muscle or speed up muscle recovery, this supplement is ultimately difficult to use as it stands.
In fact, the ideal whey shaker is not just protein powder in solution; you'll often need to add a source of carbohydrates for a complete and most effective intake.
Note: proteins, when mixed with carbohydrates, have the ability to reduce the glycemic index of carbohydrates taken in isolation.
So preparing a whey shaker with this protein powder is no mean feat. It takes a certain amount of knowledge to make the perfect liquid/whey/other nutritional sources mix, so as to have an ideal macronutrient blend.
Since supplementation is a long-term process, raw whey is not necessarily a suitable solution for the general public.
How can I find and consume an almost-raw whey?
You can find allegedly raw whey by doing a little research. Unfortunately, these products often contain additives. For example, if it foams little or not at all, this whey certainly contains lecithins, compounds chemically isolated using solvents, and mostly derived from GMO soy.
In recent years, researchers have been alerting athletes to the dangers of additives. Sucralose1 in particular, which is widely used in whey-based products, disrupts intestinal microbiota, insulin metabolism and brain chemistry, encouraging people to eat sweeter foods.
If you want to consume a raw whey to benefit from these nutritional qualities and its "pure" appearance, you will ultimately need to find a ready-to-use product that fulfils these characteristics.
It contains all the essential ingredients for an easy-to-use, nutritionally optimal mix. Simply add water or a liquid such as milk or plant milk, and enjoy a healthy high-protein sports drink.
A number of brands, including Protéalpes, are now striving to adopt this approach. With its no-sugar-added whey protein, which is ultimately an intermediary between a whey containing carbohydrates and an absolutely raw whey, Protéalpes finally offers an almost raw , ready-to-eat whey.
All secondary ingredients, such as raw cocoa powder or raw, unused vanilla powder, are raw, unprocessed ingredients, giving this range a very light taste.
