What To Know Before Buying 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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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