There is no argument against the benefits that protein powders can provide, especially as we age. You may say that gaining weight is something that will never happen to you but as you reach 30, 40, 50 and 60, the weight is harder to control, if not impossible.

This is a natural processing of the body that occurs, as we grow older because of the decrease in the body to produce amino acids. Protein powders as part of an exercise program and low carb diet can help to boost your energy, support joint and muscle health, provide antioxidant properties to tissue cells and make it possible to raise your body's metabolic rate and fat burning level.

Several manufacturers create different types and flavors of protein powders but they are not all created equal. Consumer Reports decided to test 15 of the most popular brands to see if they delivered what they advertised. 3 of the 15 failed miserably because of unsatisfactory ingredients, mainly toxins.

The United States Pharmacopoeia's (USP) limits the amount of toxins that may be used in anything consumed by the general public and for good reason. There is no way to limit consumption of a product. For example, it has been apparently proven that 15 micrograms of arsenic and 5 micrograms of cadmium, two ingredients that can be found in processed foods, may not be harmful in a small amount but what about the plant foods that could already have this amount of toxins that you are ingesting? Polluted air, fertilizers and pesticides all contain unhealthy doses of toxic chemicals. You are already at risk with many supposedly healthy foods without adding to it with protein powders that may contain ingredients such as these!

It is difficult to know what foods contain toxins but it can be easy to learn if your protein powders have toxins added; know your product. If you want to purchase the safest protein powder on the market, here are a few precautions that can be taken.

Whey should be used from grass-fed cows that have not been treated with hormones or pesticides.

No protein isolates but instead, whey protein concentrate.

No artificial sweeteners and low carbohydrates.

Whey should be cold processed. Whenever heat is used, the molecular structure is destroyed along with crucial amino acids.

No long chain fatty acids. Look for medium chain fatty acids (MCT) that are more easily digestible.

The affects of toxic poisoning are not immediate but may slowly destroy your body over the course of 10 to 20 years. Cadmium will destroy your kidneys and other vital organs, as will arsenic, lead and mercury. If you have a high level of various toxins that have been building in your system, you may experience nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rhythm, a pins and needles sensation in hands and feet and low production of red and white blood cells.

We may not be able to control everything that we consume without a degree of risk but maybe we can make sure, by choosing wisely, protein powders are designed to help our bodies function better and not worse. Always check with your doctor before altering your nutrition plan.

© Mandy Gibbons

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