Protein powders may seem like a simple solution to up the nutrients in your diet, but most of the ones on the market contain ingredients that are more harmful to our health than helpful.
A research group called the Clean Label Project screened 134 products for 130 types of toxins and found that many protein powders contained heavy metals like arsenic, lead and mercury. They also contained things like BPA, pesticides and other contaminants that have been linked to health issues like cancer.
Some of the protein powders had 25 times the allowed amount of BPA. They get away with this because they're not regulated by the FDA.
Also, most of the vitamins in protein powders are synthetic vitamins which are made in a lab. It's been shown the body doesn't absorb these vitamins like they do vitamins from real, whole foods. So things like fruit, vegetables and plants that grow from the ground is always the best way to get vitamins.
I have found 2 protein powders that are made with good, organic ingredients and no synthetic vitamins.
The first one is from a company called Truvani. It's made with only 7 ingredients and uses things like pea protein and pumpkin seeds.
Planet Protein is the other one I'd recommend. They sustainably source their organic ingredients. It's also made from pea protein, but also things like quinoa and mushrooms.
Each of these powders have about 20 grams of protein per scoop.
Protein powders aren't needed to get enough protein, even if you don't eat meat. Here's a list of plant-based foods that are very high in protein:
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Black Beans
- Edamame
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Peanuts
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Walnuts
- Quinoa
- Chia Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Nut Butters
