Another popular certification that many sports products, like protein powder, will get if it is clean of prohibited substances is the Informed Choice Certification. Particularly scientists. However, the Vega class action lawsuit says the protein powder and shakes actually contain heavy metals at such high levels of lead and cadmium both of which are considered toxic under California law. ", Get the best food tips and diet advice every single day, Now, you'll have the best and latest food and healthy eating news right in your inboxevery These are limits are between 20-50 times higher than those set by the Prop 65 laws set in California. The short answer is that heavy metals can build up in the body over time and cause health problems. ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; The worst foods with this type of contamination were found to be: fruit juices (apple and pear), root vegetables (sweet potatoes and carrots), and cookies made from arrowroot. How to Protect Yourself. Though any of the protein powders listed above can support muscle gain when paired with resistance training, Naked Whey Protein Powder is a particularly great option that is low in carbs and provides a concentrated dose of protein in each serving. But you can minimize your intake by selecting virtually metal-free protein powders. In addition to being a complete source of protein, hemp is also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. "One serving provides 26 grams of plant-based protein, six grams of fiber, and six milligrams of iron. 9 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Almonds, Glycemic Index: What It Is and How to Use It. According to a recent study done by the Clean Label Project, there is a possibility that the protein powder you mix into your smoothies could contain heavy metals like lead or cadmium,. Plant protein powders, such as soy and hemp, contained significantly higher levels than whey and egg protein. It has been shown to improve nutritional status, immune function, and body composition during chemotherapy (17, 18). The highest vegan protein sources include lentils, millet, quinoa, peas, chickpeas, and beans. This is possibly due to the processing. These heavy metals have been linked to cancer, brain damage, & reproductive issues. Mercury can damage the nervous, immune, and digestive systems; it can harm kidneys and lungs. If youre using protein powder to improve your athletic performance or endurance, when to consume protein powder largely depends on your overall fitness goals (20). This is why using protein shakes or protein powders can be a quick and helpful choice for meeting your nutrient goals. This powder consists of a blend of bio-fermented yellow pea protein, cold-pressed hemp protein, spirulina, and chlorella. Primal Kitchen's products are known for using only a handful of ingredients, which can provide you with peace of mind as you consume. The highest levels of cadmium in food were found in spinach, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables; also in potatoes, grains, peanuts, soy, and sunflower seeds, according to the CDC. Not to mention Bisphenol A (BPA), a toxin found in some plastic containers depending on that brand's packaging. This protein powder consists of an ultrafiltered whey protein concentrate and microfiltered whey protein isolate blend. -Vega Sport Plant-Based Vanilla Performance Protein They tested free of arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead, residual solvents, pesticides, mycotoxins, melamine, antibiotics, BPA, and BPS (Bisphenol S). Nutrition stats for 1-tbsp (10-g) serving: This protein powder is made from organic pea protein and sourced from non-GMO peas that are grown in the United States using regenerative farming practices. 9 Best Protein Powders To Try Now, According to Dietitians, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 5 Protein Powders With the Best Amazon Reviews, Primal Kitchen Vanilla Coconut Whey Protein, The Best High-Protein Foods for a Faster Metabolism, The #1 Best Protein Shake for Weight Loss, 4 Protein Shakes With the Highest Quality Ingredients. Ora Organic uses monk fruit extract and stevia to sweeten the shakes. He founded AltHealthWORKS in 2012 to showcase extraordinary stories of healing and the power of organic living, stories the mainstream media always seemed to miss. Clean Label Project Purity Award Winning brands have voluntarily and proactively implemented procedures to ensure ingredient quality and purity. Tungsten is a heavy metal linked to stroke risk if consumed or absorbed too much. The cleanest protein powder in the Sunwarrior range when it comes to heavy metals is their Sunwarrior Warrior Blend. 1/2 cup of quinoa According to Callan, "That probably has more to do with these products being plant-based than being organic." They are in our water, coffee, vitamins, toothpaste, and so many other products. They will happily provide you with the test results if you contact them. This again has had a big influence on scientific testing on some products. -Vega Vanilla Protein & Greens The healthiest protein powder source for you depends on your: Still, a few of the most common protein powders healthy options are sourced from: In addition to considering the source of your protein powder, its also important to look for a product that is free of or contains minimal amounts of, artificial additives like fillers, sweeteners, flavors, and dyes. ( 2 ) 2. Navitas Peruvian nibs: Average 0.44mcg/g (440 ppb) of cadmium and 0.01mcg/g ( 10 ppb) of lead. This protein powder uses a blend of pea, rice, cranberry, hemp, and sacha inchi protein. Its only a problem if the levels exceed the allowable limits set by organizations like the WHO (World Health Organization). According to the manufacturer, it is free of wheat, gluten, soy, eggs, shellfish, nuts, or artificial flavors and sweeteners. Lead poisoning from high amounts of lead can be fatal. Two of its organic products received 5 stars: Teras Whey Wild Blueberry Grass Fed Organic Whey Protein The vanilla flavor was also in the top five safest after Clean Label conducted heavy metal tests. While the vast number of protein powders on the market can make the task of choosing one daunting, it also means there are probably several options that will be a good fit for you. The product recommendations in this post are recommendations by the writer and/or expert(s) For this reason, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a simple option that can be mixed into water or a plant-based milk and enjoyed as is. The Warrior Blend is made from a blend of yellow split pea protein, hemp protein, and goji berry. The Clean Label Project found that out of 134 top-selling protein powder brands, 55 percent contained BPA. The agreement limits heavy metals in protein products to: Lead limit: 250 ppb. It's also sustainably sourcedthe whey comes from milk produced by grass-fed cows on sustainable Irish farms. The main reason for the contamination was thought to be brown rice imported from Asia that has been used as one of the ingredients. Another surprise, organic protein powders had higher levels of heavy metals, on average, than non-organic. -Garden Of Life Organic Shake & Meal Replacement Vanilla Raw Organic Meal The powder also dissolves well, so it can be a delicious addition to smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods. Stay tuned as more brands are currently going through the Certification Process. container.style.width = '100%'; Protein powders can help women lost fat, tone up and improve strength. We tested 134 of the top-selling protein powders for how clean they were. } else { -Vega Sport Plant-Based Berry Performance Protein ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; You can read more about the Clean Label Project Purity Award Winning Protein Powder brands and how the Award program works here. It's made from various sprouts, pumpkin seeds, goji berries and other superfoods. But more serious conditions include cancer, heart problems, serious digestive conditions and issues with brain function. Its good to avoid the products that we know are contaminated by heavy metals thanks to testing done by organizations such as The Clean Label Project. Garden of Life SPORT Certified Grass Fed Whey is our top pick because it's NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice Certified and provides 24 grams of high-quality whey protein. As with any supplement, you may wish to take a break every so often or alternate between different products. Sunwarrior - Warrior Blend 9. Finding a delicious, plant-based protein powder that isn't loaded with sugar can be a challenge, but Manaker recommends this Now Nutrition Organic Pea Protein. One scoop provides 18 grams of protein from vegan sources including pea, hemp, chia, pumpkin, and coconut protein, and it is sweetened with organic maple syrup and monk fruit," says Sydney Greene MS, RDN. 10 servings: $24.99. Volume 9. Nutrition stats vary as products are customized. Bottom Line: Dark chocolate is an enjoyable source of flavonoid antioxidants. They also use non-GMO ingredients. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price. The maximum limits for them in dietary supplements proposed by the U.S. Pharmacopeia are: arsenic (inorganic), 15 micrograms (g) per day; cadmium, 5 g; lead, 10 g; mercury, 15 g. However, they are under the limit set by other organizations. Its also free of stevia, soy, and dairy and sweetened with coconut sugar. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder 8. This method of farming can help restore the health and quality of soil (14). Reviewers note that it tastes great and blends very easily, which could make it a good addition to protein shakes when mixed with milk or water. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, 75% of protein powders had detectable levels of lead, Nearly 33% exceeded established safety limits, Certified Organic products averaged twice as much heavy metals, On average, plant-based products were the most contaminated, On average, egg and whey-based products were the cleanest, Ora Organic is transparent about their test results, The addition of greens and superfoods bump up the nutrition, Contains MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides), They freely disclose heavy metal levels without needing to be asked, It contains probiotics which may assist your body to detox from heavy metals, They display their heavy metal test results on their product page, They are willing to give you the heavy metal test results upon request, The heavy metal test results are available for download, The heavy metal test results are freely displayed on their website, The whey protein is derived from grass-fed cows, You can easily find the results for their heavy metal tests, They are one of the top five safest protein powders as per the Clean Label test, Body Fortress Vanilla was in the top five safest when it came to heavy metals. Vegan protein powders are an excellent source of plant-based proteins, but whether they are complete proteins is dependent on the ingredients and the specific powder. Its sweetened with stevia and has less than a gram of sugar per serving. } The powder also mixes well into smoothies, puddings, or drinks. However, if youre trying to increase your protein intake, having a protein shake or adding protein powder to foods like oatmeal and yogurt can help you meet your needs. Although it is more costly than other protein powders, each Gainful subscription includes personalized nutrition and fitness advice, along with access to a registered dietitian. You can also make smoothies that include nuts, flax, chia or hemp seeds for a protein boost. every day. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'althealthworks_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-althealthworks_com-banner-1-0');One product received 3 stars: Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Vanilla Plant-Based Organic Protein. Pure Protein 100% Whey Vanilla Cream was in the top five safest protein supplements when it came to heavy metals in the Clean Labels test. © 2023 Copyright Clean Label Project All Rights Reserved, Clean Label Project Let's face it, protein is important. Some research shows that whey protein can be a good option for people with malnutrition. Alternatively, if youre actively managing your blood sugar levels, you may want to avoid products with added sugars. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. At Orgain, we are committed to making delicious nutrition products with the cleanest ingredients and highest standards available. The nutritional value, heavy metal content and lipid quality of five marine fishes from, Cameroon coast were be investigated. The level of heavy metals is lower in animal products since like us, their bodies detox the heavy metals. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. This plant-based protein powder features pea protein, along with a blend of vegan amino acids and tart cherry. . So steer clear if you notice these issues. Likewise, Vivo lifes ingredients are tested at the source. However, its a bit pricier than other supplements and is sweetened with stevia, which can have an aftertaste that some people may find unpalatable. Heavy metals and chemicals in my protein powder? You can see all the lab results here. Its also a source of fiber and antioxidants. Here are the 7 best protein powders for women, all backed by science. Best casein protein powder: BulkSupplements Casein Protein Powder Best egg white protein powder: NOW Sports Egg White Protein Best collagen protein powder: Vital Proteins Collagen. Buy Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder - 21g Plant Based Protein Powder . Create a protein powder by finely grinding together: 1 cup of lentils Their three products tested were: Puori PW1 Vanilla Pure Whey Protein Most of these brands were vegan and contained pea protein, but they also tested brands with soy, whey, & collagen proteins as well. "In addition to protein, this protein powder is packed with immune-boosting medicinal mushrooms, such as Chaga, reishi, and turkey tail mushrooms.". According to ConsumerLab.com's news release of June 9, 2010, greens powders, made from wheat grass, alfalfa, kelp, spirulina, leafy vegetables and other chlorophyll-containing ingredients, were recently tested by ConsumerLab.com for potential contamination with heavy metals and pesticides. var alS = 2021 % 1000; Jarrow Formulas also received all 5 stars for two out of three of their products: Jarrow Formulas Chocolate Whey Protein OWYN offers a plant-based powder which provides 20 grams of protein from pea, pumpkin, and chia seeds. Finally, try to consume plenty of whole, fresh foods, including natural sources of protein and fiber, as well as water. Unfortunately, getting the recommended 1035% of your calories from protein every day can be a challenge, especially on busy days. If you're looking for a plant-based option, Dymatize offers that as well, and this powder is made from a blend of pea, watermelon seed, brown rice, pumpkin seed, and chickpea protein. They are also Unflavored and can be combined with the brands Flavor Boosts, which are available in nine unique varieties. So you want a protein powder without heavy metals? The Unflavored version is free of added sugar and contains just one ingredient: whey protein concentrate. The powder is particularly a good choice for adding to smoothies or batters because it doesnt clump. Each serving gives you 20g of protein. Sunwarrior is willing to provide test results if you get in touch with them. This article reviews all you need to. A brand mostly known for its mushroom coffees, Four Sigmatic also offers a line of healthy, simple-ingredient protein powders. Its also paleo-friendly and free of fillers, additives, and sweeteners. The heavy metal testing did bring attention to amounts of heavy metals in rice protein powder, and helped to facilitate an industry agreement which would strictly limit the level of heavy metals allowable in popular raw vegan superfood protein products. ", This powder also fits a paleo, keto, dairy-free, or gluten-free eating pattern, and according to the Be Well By Kelly website, it is "carefully sourced and precisely formulated. The Clean Label Project Certification evaluates products for industrial and environmental toxins and contaminants (like heavy metals, pesticide residues, and plasticizers) that have the long-term potential to adversely affect health and well-being. Buy Pure Protein Powder, Whey High Protein, Low Sugar, Gluten Free, . As with their pea protein, the test results for the whey protein is available on their product page. Last year, the Clean Label Project completed a study examining 134 plant-based and animal-based protein powder products from 52 different brands . And it comes from plants. The Vega powder offers a variety of flavors, including caramel toffee, strawberry banana, dark chocolate, and vanilla. Learn about 10 possible benefits of drinking hot water, Packed with nutrients but low in calories, leafy greens are crucial to a wholesome diet.