The Best Protein Sources for Longevity - Dr. Paul Saladino Ranks Best to Worst

Intro (00:00:00)

• Paul Saladino discusses his preference for different protein sources, including protein powders and various meat categories.

Grass-Finished Meat Delivered to Your Doorstep (00:00:25)

• Saladino recommends Butcher Box for high-quality grass-fed meat, including ground bison, ground beef, chicken, pork, scallops, seafood, and bacon.
• Butcher Box delivers the meat to customers' doorsteps.
• Saladino emphasizes the superior quality and appearance of Butcher Box meat compared to grocery store meat.

Protein Powders (00:01:28)

• Saladino acknowledges the convenience of protein powders for individuals with busy lifestyles.
• He personally prefers consuming whole meat sources like steak, hamburger, heart, and liver over protein powders.
• Saladino recognizes the usefulness of protein powders in certain situations.

Animal vs Plant Proteins (00:02:02)

• Animal proteins are better than plant proteins in terms of digestibility, bioavailability, and amino acid content.
• Plant proteins often contain digestive enzyme inhibitors and higher levels of heavy metals.
• Soy protein can lower androgen receptor densities, affecting testosterone function, regardless of prostate cancer status.
• Fermented soy may be a better option due to detoxification of harmful plant chemicals during fermentation.
• Animal proteins, such as beef, whey, and egg, are not inherently bad for humans.
• Whey and egg have slightly better bioavailability than beef protein.
• Whey protein is higher in cysteine, leading to increased glutathione levels.
• Beef protein is significantly higher in glycine, involved in glutathione formation and collagen synthesis.
• Beef protein powder is preferred due to its whole carcass composition, providing both collagen and meat nutrients.

Raw Milk & Raw Whey (00:08:18)

• Raw milk studies show lower rates of asthma, eczema, and allergies in kids who consume it.
• The benefits of raw milk are likely due to the raw whey protein.
• Undenatured whey protein could potentially benefit the immune system.
• Human breast milk contains undenatured proteins that affect the immune system.
• Raw whey protein is hard to obtain from cows.
• Most whey protein powders on the market are not truly raw.

When Buying Protein Powder, Look for the COA (00:10:51)

• Look for the Certificate of Analysis (COA) when choosing a protein powder.
• Ensure the protein powder is tested for heavy metals and BPA.
• BPA is an endocrine-disrupting compound found in many protein powders.
• Low levels of heavy metals and BPA are crucial for health.

Whey Protein vs Whey Isolate (00:11:29)

• Dr. Paul Saladino recommends whey protein concentrate over isolate for longevity due to its bioactive compounds and lactoferrin content.
• Lactoferrin, found in colostrum, positively impacts gut health by binding to excess iron.
• Colostrum powder can be a good alternative to pure colostrum for gut health improvement.
• Dr. Saladino emphasizes the importance of a whole-food diet but acknowledges the convenience of protein powders in certain situations.
• Protein absorption is crucial for many individuals to meet their daily protein requirements.
• Dr. Saladino's current daily protein intake is approximately 200 grams.

Thomas & Paul's Protein Intakes (00:15:19)

• Thomas consumes around 250 grams of protein daily.
• Paul eats about 1 to 2 pounds of lean ground beef daily.
• Paul also consumes a significant amount of ground chicken.
• Ground beef contains more collagen than lean steaks.
• Collagen has potential synergistic effects when consumed with meat protein.
• Evolutionarily, humans would have consumed the entire animal, including the collagen-rich parts.
• Ground beef is a superfood due to its high collagen content.
• Collagen is beneficial for longevity.

Collagen (00:17:53)

• Collagen supplementation, especially for older adults, improves the production of collagen and glutathione, promoting healthy skin, joints, and overall well-being.
• The quality of collagen supplements varies, and choosing a high-quality source free from heavy metals and contaminants is crucial.
• Not all protein sources are equal, and the quality depends on the source and processing methods.
• Transparency and honesty are essential when selecting protein supplements, and opting for companies that provide detailed information about their products is advisable.
• Consuming the right protein sources can increase energy levels due to improved mitochondrial function.

Careful When Shopping for Beef Protein (00:22:07)

• Be cautious when choosing beef protein products.
• Some companies use aminos spiking to increase the protein count on the label.
• Beef proteins were commonly involved in this practice, using hoof and hide (collagen) with added aminos to make it appear like a complete protein.
• Hoof and hide can be problematic depending on the source.

Where to Find More of Paul's Content (00:23:23)

• Paul Saladino can be found on all social media platforms under the handle "Paul Saladino MD".