The Hidden Dangers Of Protein Powders
Protein is one of the essential classes of food for bone strength, proper body functioning, and muscle building. The use of protein powder in a meal may look like a good way to boost health for those who don't consume enough protein.Though it looks good, many dangers come with protein powders. In fact, some experts do not recommend protein powders to people except with close supervision.
What is protein powder?
When we talk about protein powder, we refer to pulverized forms of protein from plants such as rice, soybeans, eggs, peas, potatoes, hemp, or milk (whey protein or casein). There may be an addition of other ingredients like sugar, thickeners, minerals, artificial flavoring, and vitamins.
Some hidden dangers of protein powder you should know
The following hidden dangers are present in varying about in powdered proteins:
- Toxins in Protein Powders
Some powdered protein contains toxins that are harmful to human beings. According to a report by the Clean Label Project, out of 134 products screened, there were 130 kinds of toxins that were found in protein powders.
Some of the toxins include harmful metals (like cadmium, lead, mercury, and lead), pesticides, bisphenol-A (used to produce plastic), and other contaminants that are linked to cancer and other health issues.
- High Added Calories and Sugar
It is not uncommon to see protein powders that have added sugar to them. Some of them have little quantity while others have as much as 25g per teaspoon. The danger hidden here is the unhealthy increase in blood sugar and weight gain from high amounts of calories.
According to the American Heart Association, the recommended amount of sugar for women is 20g per day while 36g per day for men.
- Unsure of Claims From Manufacturers
Having known that the protein powder is just a dietary supplement, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to check the safety and packaging of the products. Consumers do not know if the ingredient labeled contains the standard of protein powder the producers claim.
- Digestive Distress
Some people that are allergic to dairy or have issues with digesting lactose can experience a gastrointestinal challenge when they use milk-based protein powders. It may result in digestive distress to them.
- Long-Term Effects
Apart from the immediate effects of contaminants contents in the protein powder, there are long-term effects that are yet to be revealed. The amount of data on the danger of high intake of protein from the supplement is still small.
Recommendation
To keep yourself away from the hidden dangers of protein powders, aim for the approved dietary allowance for protein naturally. For instance:
- Take an egg in the morning for breakfast (6g)
- Take plain Greek yogurt of 6 ounces at lunch (18g)
- Take nuts of a handful quantity for snacks (4-7g)
- Take an 8g cup of milk and cooked chicken of 14g for dinner
Conclusion
There are many hidden dangers of protein powders that are unhealthy to the system. Some risks are immediate while others are long-term.
The best way to avoid these dangers is to use protein from natural means. Thus, it is advisable to take a balanced diet that will provide sufficient protein to the body.
