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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.

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.

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.

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.

Those with food allergies or gluten intolerance find organic products to be a generally safer choice, and consider them worth the additional cost. In an increasingly degraded environment, buying these products encourages more sustainable practices. Today there are more supplemental powder choices than ever before, making it even more important to be aware of the ingredients before buying.




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