For decades, protein powders have been a staple choice for athletes, bodybuilders, and for those who are looking to add more muscle development and strength. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the average Joe uses protein powders for pretty much the same purpose.
The most popular protein powder, whey, is said to enhance muscle growth after resistance or weight training. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that are found in whey, work to stimulate protein synthesis, and that means your muscles recover more rapidly.
Protein powders come in various flavors and they also arrive in three forms – hydrolysate, isolate, and concentrate. Hydrolysate is less allergenic than isolate and concentrate, and thus is costs more. It’s also easier to metabolize. Isolates equate to 90 percent or more protein by weight, and possess low levels of lactose and relatively low fat. Concentrates also have low fat levels, but higher carbohydrates. The amount of protein in concentrates varies rather dramatically.
Organic Protein Powders
These days, with the focus on healthy living, manufacturers now offer organic protein powders. And that is welcome news for those who prefer an organic diet. However, are organic protein powders more or less effective than their conventional counterparts?
Whenever a food, a drink, or a supplement is labeled as organic, it must have a USDA Organic label which verifies its organic nature. Protein powders that are marketed as organic are originally from cows that have been fed organically (free of any form of pesticide within the food source).
Furthermore, these animals have not been provided with hormones, antibiotics, or any other type of chemical in order to spur their growth. There’s also the benefit that organically-raised cows are treated ethically. The final product is gluten-free, sugar-free, and it is lower in carbohydrates than most of the conventional alternatives.
Are Organic Protein Powders Really That Good?
It all sounds good, but is the same nutritional value still available to you and is the BCAA that is found in conventional protein powders also available? Actually, yes. Cows that are reared on an organic diet do not generate a lesser quality of protein.
As a matter of fact, for many individuals who have used organic protein powders, they’ve claimed that it tastes better than conventional alternatives. And that is likely based on the reasoning that organic powders do not come with the additional sugars and other additives.
Organic protein powders do maintain high levels of vitamins and amino acids, thus there is no sacrifice of any quality.
But there is something to consider here with respect to organic protein powders. The product is from an organic source, meaning that the animals were fed with organic grains and various alternative organic feeds. That is not entirely a natural process for a cow.
The feed itself is organic, but the protein is arguably incomplete, given that an organic diet can potentially disturb a cow’s capacity to provide high quality amino acids.
A Further Organic Option
There is a further organic option with respect to marketed protein powders, and those have nothing at all to do with cows. It’s known as raw protein powder.
The raw format of protein powder is plant-based. It is also gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and vegan. These powders are far easier to digest since they are not subjected to any form of processing and neither are they heated. The majority of the protein is preserved, whereas, as much as 20 percent of protein in other forms of powders can be lost after the various stages of processing.
Raw proteins are frequently sweetened using a natural sweetener known as stevia. There are no artificial flavors added. And, in effect, it is precisely what the manufacturers say it is – raw and natural.
The Final Word
Do bear in mind that raw and organic protein powder varieties normally come with a higher price tag than do conventional protein powders, and they are not available in quite as many flavors, which are generally limited to chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
Nevertheless, if you suffer from a food allergy, if you have an intolerance to gluten, or you simply have a preference for a protein that is entirely natural, then the organic and raw protein powder range make for valid alternative sources without the added concerns over any adverse side effects.
And although organic and raw proteins are not yet available in a plethora of flavors, they are still very widely available.
For a selection of organic protein powders online, please visit http://www.BestOrganicProteinPowder.com
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