Ingredients to Avoid in Protein Powders | The Healthy Chef (2024)

Here’s what you DON’T want in a protein powder:

1. Casein + WPC

These are also known as whey protein concentrate and sodium caseinate. WPCs and casein protein sources are high in lactose and more difficult to absorb, which can often cause bloating, flatulence, and gastrointestinal distress.It is quite ironic that these powders actually started off as a weight gainer in medical institutions!

2. Gluten

Food sensitivities to gluten can elevate inflammation in some people and cause a range of health problems includinghormonal imbalances, skin conditions, fatigue, mood swings, and headaches.

3. Dextrins/Maltodextrin

These ingredients can raise glycemic load, which may contribute to fat storage. Most are processed with GMO corn and they can also cause gastrointestinal distress in some people. They are mostly added to protein powders as fillers to bulk it out or make the protein mix easier.

4. Artificial sweeteners

Common artificial sweeteners used are Sucralose (Splenda, E955), Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal, E951), and Saccharin (E954).Some people may experience negative reactions to artificial sweeteners and side effects may includeheadaches, migraines, gastric distress, depression and weight gain.

5. Skim milk powders/milk solids

Skim milk powders and milk solids are often used as a cheap bulking agent in lower quality powders. They are high in lactose sugars, which can cause bloating, gastrointestinal distress, constipation, and loose stools.

6. Soy protein

Some soy proteins come from genetically-modified sources with high pesticide use. They contain chemical compounds which may cause hormonal disturbances in some people.

7. Vegetable oils and fats

These ingredients are often added to many weight loss and protein powders to increase richness and make them taste creamy. However, these fats are often derived from hydrogenated sources that contain trans fats, which areknown to be more harmful than saturated fats. Trans fats raise levels of bad cholesterol and lower levels of good cholesterol.

8. Thickeners and gums

Thickeners and gums, including xanthan gum, are manufactured from soy or corn and can cause bloating, constipation and gas.They are little like glue in my digestive system.

9. Fillers

Fillers are often added to bulk up the protein and save money for the manufacturer. Some fillers include ingredients such as coconut flour, psyllium, sugar, which can cause gastric distress such as bloating, constipation and reflux in people who are susceptible to digestive issues.

10. Added fibres

Added fibres in protein powders are often included as a filler or weight management tool. For me personally, it causes gastric distress, constipation and bloating as I have a particularly sensitive digestive system. The cleaner your protein powder, the better and the best fibres are obtained from plant-based leafy greens, vegetables and fruits.

What does protein powder do?

The key nutrient for fat loss and body shaping is protein as it is essential to regulate the appetite, boost metabolism and encourage significant weight loss, while supporting lean muscle - but not all protein is created equal. Protein is essential because your body requires adequate amino acids for the construction of enzymes that are integral to the detoxification pathways.A quality protein drink made from whole food ingredients can benefit your health in a number of ways.

“For me, protein works effectively in regulating my appetite and stabilising my blood sugar. For weight loss it is recommended you get between 80 – 120g of protein per day to aid satiety and muscle recovery.” -Teresa Cutter

Protein is also the key nutrient that helps you get ageless glowing skin and lean toned muscles. I’ve been in the fitness and health industry since my early 20s and have tasted many kinds of protein on the market. Some made me gain weight, some constipated me for days, and some made me feel bloated. This was the main reason I decided to design my own.

It’s important you choose the right protein powder that suits your needs and that supports your health in every way. It’s important they are un-denatured and free from chemicals and additives.

Grass-fedPure Native Whey Protein Isolate(WPI) is designed to help you build, repair, and maintain healthy, lean muscle, boost your immune system, and manage weight.Below is a graphic explaining how Healthy Chef Pure Native WPI differs to others on the market, making it the more superior choice of whey protein available.

Our pure and delicious low carb protein powders are suitable for the most sensitive digestive systems,which can be easily supplemented into daily life in a simple shake.

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