What if we told you that most protein powder is terrible for your health?
What if we told you that most protein powder is terrible for your health?
An early 2018 report from the Clean Label Project found that most of the top-selling powders and drinks contain high levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, and BPAs.
We know that you're aware of just how harmful these substances are - having been linked to cancer, brain damage, reproductive issues, and more.
1. Artificial Dyes: Linked to hyperactivity, behavioral changes, and asthma - especially harmful for children. Artificial food dyes were originally developed back in 1856 to enhance the looks of your food. Plus...it’s cheap to use! Back then, artificial dyes were made from coal tar. Now, they’re made from nothing other than petroleum. Sounds appetizing, don’t you think? ...or not. It doesn’t stop there. Artificial dyes have been linked to cancer, and found to cause hyperactivity in children. It’s no coincidence that most artificial dyes have been deemed toxic and that only a handful remain.
2. Gums: Cause minor adverse effects including gas, bloating, nausea, and loose stools. Xanthan gum, guar gum, lecithin gum...so many gums, such little time. Gums are used to thicken, emulsify, or stabilize food, but they’re not the best for our digestive systems. In fact, one study found that xanthan gum - likely the most commonly used one - is a highly effective laxative, causing gas and diarrhea in even the most healthy individuals. Other studies have found food gums to cause gastrointestinal inflammation, so it’s safe to say these guys aren’t the best for the sake of our gut health.
3. HFCS: Leads to obesity and heart disease. Otherwise known as high fructose corn syrup, this artificial sweetener has been the centerpiece of many ingredient-related debates. So much so that consumers have repeatedly attempted to sue soft-drink and food manufacturers for marketing HFCS-sweetened products as “all natural.” Many even credit HFCS as being responsible for America’s obesity epidemic. Either way, the stuff’s not good for you! HFCS has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer and offers zero nutritional value. Best to stay away from.
4. Synthetic Vitamins: Plenty of people take their morning or evening vitamins to supplement the nutrients they may not get from their daily diet. But, not all vitamins are created equal! Synthetic vitamins are artificially made. While there are natural options, the sad truth is that synthetic vitamins take up the majority rule. For example, synthetic Vitamin C supplements are made from ascorbic acid. Studies have found this may contribute to the formation of genotoxins that can lead to cancer and a greater propensity toward thickening of the arteries. When buying vitamins and supplements, make sure to do your research to ensure it’s 100% natural!
5. Synthetic Sugar: Synthetic sugars are what people typically turn to when they’re trying to cut their sugar intake down. They contain 0 grams of sugar, so it can’t be that bad...right? Wrong. They have an impact on our brains, taste buds, and gut health. Some data has suggested that artificial sweeteners cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt hippocampal function. In turn, it impairs sensitivity to interceptive signals and dysregulates appetitive behavior - promoting you to eat more, even when you’re not hungry.
6. Fillers: Fillers get put in food bulk up the weight, but our bodies don’t take kindly to them. Manufacturers will do nearly anything to make it a little cheaper. There are hundreds of FDA approved fillers and additives out there, but they’ve been shown to cause negative reactions such as digestive issues, hyperactivity, insomnia, asthma, and even hives.
7. Natural Flavors: As it turns out, “natural” flavors aren’t so natural after all. You may not bat an eyelash at the sight of natural flavors on your protein powder label, but do you know where that flavor comes from? Not from the fruits and vegetables they claim to taste like, that’s for sure. Natural flavors can contain upwards of 100 chemicals in them, which makes them just as bad as artificial flavors. They are one sneaky, deceiving ingredient to definitely watch out for.
8. Pesticides: Pesticides are used in agriculture to protect fruits, vegetables, and other crops from insects and infections, like e.coli. But, when we purchase those produce items from our local grocery store, pesticides are still hiding on the surface. They’ve been linked to cancer as well as having negative effects on the reproduction, immune, and nervous system. Shopping organic or from local farmers markets is a safer bet.
That’s why here at Planet Protein, we hold ourselves to the highest standards
- We test for BPA, dangerous heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, plastics, GMOs, gluten, mold, and many other dangerous contaminants.
- We NEVER use any gums, natural flavors, or additives - some of which have been linked to higher heavy metal contents. Most other powders do.
- We sustainably source our ingredients and only work with farmers using ethical, sustainable, and holistic practices.
- There are only 9 ingredients straight from the Earth in each bag
- We check all the boxes. Organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free, peanut-free.
Check out this graphic explaining metals found in the soil and how they are different from dangerous heavy metals.
