What To Know Before Buying 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.

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.

The next logical step for manufacturers has been to incorporate organically produced ingredients. The supplement industry has been criticized for under-regulation of some product ingredients, and there are still few controls compared to most other foods. The word organic sounds healthier to consumers, and has been over-used as a marketing tool, but is an important consideration when buying a product.

Few people really want to consume pesticide and synthetic fertilizer residue, and this has sparked an organic food sales trend that is no longer the domain of health and nutrition stores. In order to receive a meaningful certification, food products such as meat and produce must meet USDA standards for production, handling, and final processing. The same standards apply to ingredients used to manufacture powdered supplements.

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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