What To Consider When 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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