What To Consider When 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.

The substance is derived from several different sources, including whey, casein, eggs, soy, milk, and rice, and is commonly consumed as shakes or smoothies. It requires no kitchen facility to prepare, can be taken to work, can have a lower calorie count that is helpful for people trying to lose weight, and is easily digested. It helps rebuild muscle tissue after a strenuous workout, and is primarily marketed to younger, active people.

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.

In reality, most people never approach that level of consumption, and supplemental proteins can be beneficial for young adults who are still growing, as well as producing positive results for people beginning an exercise program, or upping the intensity of their regular workout. Accident victims find them a useful adjunct during recovery, and vegetarians or lactose-intolerant people find vegetable-based supplements ideal.

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.

Informed consumers are learning to ignore attractive advertising phraseology, and to pay more attention to ingredient labels before buying. Simply stating that a commercial product is pure and ethically made does not somehow turn it into a naturally occurring food, even when it has well-documented benefits. The label automatically increases the cost of supermarket items, as well as nutritional supplements.

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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