What To Know Before Buying Organic Protein Powder

By Earlene McGee


Although the results of taking supplemental proteins are most visible in bodybuilders, people at all levels of strength and fitness also use them to increase muscular strength and build endurance. They are popular with those who regularly exercise and want faster, targeted results. Organic protein powder is a natural choice for consumers who already avoid chemical pesticide residues in their food, and has become a significant segment of the supplement industry.

Commonly consumed in smoothie or shake form, the substance is most often made from soy, milk, whey, casein, eggs, or rice. There is no special equipment needed to mix them. Their portability makes drinking them at work simple, their lower calorie formulas are helpful to people trying to shed pounds, and they are digested easily. They help restore muscles after heavy exercise, and are marketed primarily to active, younger individuals.

Nutritionists have long known that most individuals do not require additional dietary protein, and have issued warnings to consumers who may be tempted to use them as regular substitutes for real food. Over-reliance or long term use is not recommended, and can actually result in nutrient deficiencies. In extreme cases, excess protein consumption results in organ and bone problems, and even cancer.

Few people actually use them to that extent, and the supplements can be beneficial for young adults who are still not fully grown. They are also helpful for people beginning an exercise regimen, or increasing the intensity of their current program. People who have been seriously injured use them to help speed recovery, and vegetable-based formulas are ideal for both vegetarians and those who are lactose-intolerant.

For producers of these products, the next logical step has been the introduction of organically produced components. The health and supplement industry has received unfavorable publicity regarding ingredient labeling, and there are still only minor controls when compared to standard food production and sales. Putting organic on a label may be a common marketing strategy, but is actually a very important consumer consideration.

Because people vote against pesticides and synthetic fertilizers with their checkbooks, supermarket sales of organic produce and meat products have gone mainstream, and are no longer limited to health food stores. To receive official certification, foods must be raised, harvested, and produced in accordance with USDA guidelines and regulations. In theory, those same standards must also be applied to the ingredients that make up powdered proteins.

The most informed consumers ignore marketing strategies and check the labels carefully before buying any product. Simply designating a particular product as purely and ethically produced does not transform it into a natural product, even though it may have well-documented benefits. Adding the organic label automatically increases store prices, and nutritional supplements share that markup.

People struggling with a gluten intolerance or potentially deadly food allergy find natural products to be less risky personally, and worth the added costs. Other people prefer products that do not encourage degradation of an already-stressed natural environment. There are more supplemental powders available now than ever, and carefully checking the ingredients before buying is time well spent.




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