How To Choose An Organic Protein Powder

By Earlene McGee


Although bodybuilders are a good example of the power of protein supplements, people of all ages and physical capabilities use them today to build strength and endurance. They have become increasingly important to regular exercisers who want to see more rapid, targeted improvements. Organic protein powder is a logical choice for those wishing to avoid chemical residues, and is one of the growing segments of the supplemental nutrition industry.

It is commonly sold in canisters, and is derived from eggs, soy, whey, milk, casein, or whey. When liquid is added, the powder turns into a shake or smoothie. There are no memberships required to buy it, and takes no complicated kitchen appliances to produce. It can be helpful in some weight loss programs, and digests easily. The substance rebuilds muscle tissue after a hard workout, and current marketing targets younger adults.

Most people do not really have a protein deficiency, and some nutritionists have even published warnings to alert consumers about the physical dangers of consistently substituting the shakes for real food, or drinking too many on top of an established high-protein diet. Long-term reliance is discouraged, and in some instances has lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Worst case scenarios include serious problems in bones and organs.

Even with those warnings, supplemental proteins can be a useful addition for younger people who are still growing, and benefit those starting a new exercise regimen or increasing the intensity of an existing workout. Individuals suffering serious injury may need extra support while recovering, and the protein is ideal for some vegetarians. People who must avoid dairy products can also use vegetable-based powders.

For product makers, the next step in development was the incorporation of organically grown and produced ingredients. This industry has been notoriously criticized for a lack of regulation regarding ingredients, and still enjoys few governmental controls compared to other food products. The word organic is freely used in advertising because it sounds attractive, but in reality pesticide-free products have become very important to consumers.

People want food raised without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and supermarket sales of organically grown meat and produce are no longer limited to high-priced outlets. To be certified, a food must be produced in accordance with USDA regulations governing initial production, handling after harvest, and in the end result of processing. Those standards may also apply to some ingredients used in powdered supplements.

Smart consumers look past advertising phraseology and actually read the ingredients label before making an informed choice. Calling a manufactured product ethical and pure does not transform it into a naturally occurring food, even though it may be beneficial. The cost of traditional foods carrying that label is generally higher, and nutritional supplements also reflect that phenomenon.

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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