Since reviewing the new pro metabolic friendly protein powder 40UP – Collagen Protein Powder by Collagen X a few months ago – see review here. I’ve been super keen to test this new product out in all my past protein powder recipes.
I’ve finally had a chance to find them all, test a few out and can confirm – this new protein powder works in all my past protein powder recipes!
I have always found that protein powder worked really well as a flour substitute which is great if we are craving a type of baked good but want to avoid starch. But up until now, the existing protein powders on the market would cause more harm than good in our Ray Peat Inspired Pro Metabolic Diet.
40UP – Collagen Protein Powder by Collagen X is different to anything else available because it’s a combination of whey protein and Peptan Collagen along with a number of other nutrients that make it more easily assimilated. There is way more information on why its beneficial on my original article here.
Protein Powder Recipes
On to my many protein powder recipes for delicious high protein snacks:
Yes, I was a bit obsessed with peanut butter in the past but in these protein powder recipes, I now use Peanut Butter Powder which has nearly all of the PUFA oils removed. Mix the powder with a little coconut oil and ta da – a much better pro metabolic “peanut butter” tasting option. If you want to avoid peanuts altogether, then macadamia nut butter is the best substitute in our pro metabolic diet.
Enjoy!
If you are purchasing the new40UP – Collagen Protein Powder by Collagen X, remember the 10% discount code – SLIMBIRDY – when ordering.
Have I found the best protein powder that fits Ray Peat and pro metabolic principles?
I think I have! It’s called 40Up by Collagen X.
The guys at Collagen X are amazing. Their understanding of pro metabolic principles and Ray Peat’s work factors into their product formulations. When I hit them with my concerns, they had already thought of it, countered it in their formulation and had studies to show the benefits. Their level of attention to detail on this was super impressive.
Real food vs processed food
Before we get into why I think it’s the best, I just wanted to say that overall, I favour real foods over more processed foods. However, there are instances where people don’t have access to grassfed or uncontaminated sources of protein. So, sourcing the next best option may be a necessity – to supplement at least part of your diet.
In the case of THIS particular protein powder though, you are getting SO MUCH MORE than just a single ingredient isolated protein.
Ray Peat’s concerns on protein powder
Here are a couple of quotes from Ray that shows his stance on protein powder:
“Whey, which is sold as a protein supplement, and egg whites contain too much tryptophan and can be antithyroid if used excessively.” -Ray Peat, PhD
“For example, whey protein contains much more tryptophan than whole milk or cheese does and would tend to suppress the thyroid and activate the whole serotonin-stress system. Whey might be good for fattening pigs, but its acceptance in the health food industry as a powdered protein supplement is just another example of the harmful effects of serotonin mythology.”-Ray Peat, PhD
Whey protein can be:
Insulinogenic – i.e. stimulates production of insulin
High in anti – metabolic amino acids
Stimulating to the immune system – meaning irritates it
Allergenic – Drying amino acids may make them allergenic
Keeping the above issues in mind and Ray teaching us to consider everything in context, the Collagen X crew has formulated this product to overcome these downsides. They’ve made the best protein powder that is truly beneficial for the body.
When I received it, I couldn’t believe how massive the bag was!
Here is a summary of how 40Up protein powder is different:
Combination of whey protein AND PeptanHydrolysed Collagen in one product
Helps to balance the amino acids
Sourced particular whey that is (naturally) the lowest in Tryptophan, Cystine and Methionine.
Important because tryptophan contributes to serotonin production
Cysteine & methionine can raise inflammation & mitochondrial disfunction
High Branch Chain Amino Acid content (BCAA)
High proportion of leucine, isoleucine & valine
These BCAAs can block tryptophan absorption in the gut, reducing serotonin production even further.
Supports lowering Estrogen & Prolactin
Fortified with Zinc & Vitamin B3 both shown to lower these hormones
Added Magnesium
Enhances estrogen excretion
Plus, additional anabolic effects – i.e. growth of muscles, bones etc
Added Glycine – a massive 4.8g per serve
Ray Peat – “A generous supply of glycine, against a balanced background of amino acids, has a great variety of anti-stress actions. Glycine is recognized as an “inhibitory” neurotransmitter and promotes natural sleep. Used as a supplement, it has helped to promote recovery from strokes and seizures, and to improve learning and memory. In every type of cell, it apparently has the same kind of quieting, protective anti-stress action. The range of injuries produced by an excess of tryptophan and serotonin seems to be prevented or corrected by a generous supply of glycine. Fibrosis, free radical damage, inflammation, cell death from ATP depletion or calcium overload, mitochondrial damage, diabetes, etc., can be prevented or alleviated by glycine.”
Contains Prebiotic (oligofructose)
for gut integrity
reduced endotoxin levels
Added Creatine – 3g per serve
Participates in cellular energy production
Reduces tryptophan
Reduces oxidative DNA damage
Assists in creation of lean muscle mass
Vitamin C via the Natural Acerola Cherry Extract
Vitamin C is essential to assist gelatin to create new collagen in the body
Contains Calcium
Calcium to phosphate ratio determines whether tryptophan will be converted to excess serotonin, or Niacin.
No Additives or Unwanted Ingredients
40up is free from harmful additives, artificial sweeteners, and fillers, GMO, phosphates, gums, etc that are often found in other protein powders. Unnecessary additives and ingredients that can disrupt the gut and hormonal balance have been avoided.
WOW! – the Best Protein Powder I’ve ever seen
As you can see this is not your ordinary cheap single source protein powder. It is a carefully sourced and crafted balance of the anti-inflammatory amino acids with supporting nutrients to make it a pro-metabolic, muscle building, supplemental powerhouse.
The Company
Collagen X is an Australian company, and they do ship internationally as well.