Somewhere along the way we have developed an obsession with protein powders. In fact, if most people were to make a list of their top survival needs, protein would rank right up there next to oxygen.
It’s not that protein isn’t important, because it is, but we have put far too much thought into this single nutrient, and ironically, not enough thought into the format in which we tend to consume it. You see, it’s one thing to secure protein sources that contain a lot of protein, and it is a completely different thing to get clean, quality protein sources that are assimilated properly.
With that in mind, let’s focus on protein powders, and 3 common ingredients that have made them toxic to our bodies.
Soy Protein Isolate
Soy protein has been a core ingredient in many protein powders for a long time, probably coming into favour the same time as soy milk as an alternative to conventional dairy. Regardless of its origin, soy has been found to be toxic to the digestive system and creates the following concerns:
- Disrupts thyroid and endocrine function
- Interferes with leptin sensitivity which can cause metabolic syndrome
- Throws off estrogen and testosterone balance
- Blocks the body’s ability to access key minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium
It is also estimated that soy is over 95% genetically modified, and one of the most pesticide ridden crops on the market.
This makes any non-organic soy protein (especially isolate) found in protein powders, indigestible and toxic to the human physiology.
Whey Protein Isolate
First of all, whey protein itself can be a quality protein, but the fact remains that there are very few on the market that make the cut.
For example, whey from conventionally raised cows that have been fed non-organic grains and genetically modified foods, and been injected with antibiotics and hormones, are NOT a quality source of protein and this makes up a substantial piece of the market. What is also important to note is that whey in an isolate format is not properly absorbed by the body.
If you choose whey protein, it is vitally important to source whey from raw, grass fed milk, to obtain the majority of its benefits. Grass fed cows are nutritionally superior compared to grain fed, and they contain an impressive amino acid and immune-supportive nutrient profile.
Rice Protein
As with whey protein, the devil is in the details. Although there are protein powders that contain rice protein that are an acceptable source of protein, there are far too many that are not.
Thanks to a report unveiled earlier in 2014 by Mike Adams, we have been able to discover that there are many rice protein powders on the market that have been heavily contaminated with tungsten, cadmium, and lead. It is very conceivable that the reason for this high level of contamination is due to sourcing rice from China, where air pollution can trump the “organic” label placed on many products, including rice.
See the most recent heavy metal tests done on rice protein powders, so you can select the cleanest brands.
If you want to know some of the most digestible, complete, and cleanest sources of protein, look into these Top 5 Sources of Plant Protein.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.healingthebody.ca/soy-is-not-a-health-food-6-things-to-know-about-soys-big-downside/
http://www.naturalnews.com/043838_rice_protein_heavy_metals_data_charts.html
http://labs.naturalnews.com/heavy-metals-chart-Proteins-rice.html
About the Author:
Derek Henry took a deadly health challenge that conventional medicine couldn’t solve and self-directed a one-in-a-million health journey that found him happier and healthier than he had been in his entire life. As a result of this rewarding journey, he created Healing the Body and became a well revered holistic health coach who now spends his time writing, coaching, and educating thousands of people each month who want to enjoy similar results.
His Wellness Transformation E-Guide and THRIVE Online Health Program are two essential resources for anyone who wishes to have the intelligence and answers to become truly well.
You can find his experience derived and heavily researched articles at his website Healing the Body and his one of a kind holistic health program, THRIVE, here.
