How To Choose An Organic Protein Powder

By Earlene McGee


Even though most people will never develop the musculature of a dedicated bodybuilder, protein supplements can be very useful for increasing endurance and strength. They have become increasingly popular with individuals who consistently exercise and have set specific physical goals for personal progress. Organic protein powder is a logical choice for many health-conscious consumers, and is a rapidly growing segment of the 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.

Nutritionists have repeatedly advised against using them as a regular substitute for actual food, primarily because most people already get ample supplies of protein. Long-term, exclusive use or inadvertent over-reliance is never recommended, and in some cases can result in deficiencies of other key nutrients. Taken to the extreme, excess consumption can damage bones and organs, and has been implicated in some types of cancer.

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.

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.

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 facing gluten intolerance or serious food allergies find organic products to be a better choice, and worth the extra money. Buying them also encourages more sustainable farming practices that do not contribute to an increasingly degraded environment. There are more supplemental powder selections than ever, and it makes sense to carefully examine the ingredients before purchase.




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