Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. The Native Blend protein is derived from grass-fed cows that have never been treated with growth hormones. Mercury: 4.6 ppb. Their grass-fed protein is likely the healthiest option. Naked Whey Protein contains only whey protein. I also use this. Naked Whey is also available in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry flavors, all of which are sweetened with organic coconut sugar. We tested 134 of the top-selling protein powders for how clean they were. Many of the popular protein powders, including plant-based ones found in health food stores everywhere, may be full of heavy metals. Thoughtfully crafted without the use of harmful chemicals, one scoop provides 23 grams of protein from grass-fed beef," says Greene. Do you want a protein powder without lead? 5. The company conducts its testing for the heavy metals lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium utilizing a process known as ICP/MS (inductively coupled plasma/mass spectroscopy). Garden of Life has created relationships with organic farmers to ensure our whole foods-based products are fully traceable. If you're looking for a whey protein powder for weight loss, Natreve is a great option because it has a satiating combo of protein and fiber. All Rights Reserved. Its only a problem if the levels exceed the allowable limits set by organizations like the WHO (World Health Organization). This article explains the best time to take them, depending on your goals. "Dymatize also offers an Elite Casein Protein Powder that is ideal for athletes looking to build muscle. Many people enjoy the taste whether mixing it with water, plant milk, or fruit. After finding out about these test results, The Garden of Life sent WTMJ the following statement about the study: We will continue to dig into the methodology of this recent study. Whether on social media or on the news, the issue of industrial and environmental contaminants in the news is a daily phenomenon. If you are on the DASH diet, its best to go with a different shake or use only a single scoop. The powder also dissolves well, so it can be a delicious addition to smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods. or by using protein powder made from bone broth. If vanilla isn't your thing, you can try chocolate, cafe mocha, peanut butter, creamy cacao, or the unflavored option for a more discreet addition of protein to your meal. "It is a little higher in carbohydrates due to plant-based protein typically containing other macronutrients. The Warrior Blend is made from a blend of yellow split pea protein, hemp protein, and goji berry. But looking at multiple reputable sources for information is the best way to go. The product recommendations in this post are recommendations by the writer and/or expert(s) It also contaminates many food items, such as chocolate. 1. something, we will not earn a commission. Capra Products Double Bonded Goat Milk Protein (30 servings, $2.14 per serving, 20 grams of protein) Mt. In fact, its NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that each batch has been tested for banned substances to ensure safety. The biggest risk of heavy metal toxicity is working with metal every day and eating food grown in soil contaminated by mines or these types of factories. This may be especially beneficial for people with increased protein needs, those with difficulty meeting their needs through food sources alone, and those with certain dietary restrictions, such as vegans or vegetarians. The powder contains all nine essential amino acids, in addition to fiber and iron. Meanwhile, whey hydrolysate or hydrolyzed whey has been partially broken down to ease digestion and speed absorption (11). Clean Label Project is committed to changing the definition of food and consumer safety through data, science, and transparency. Naked Whey Protein Powder is a low carb option marketed to people who want to lose weight and increase muscle tone. Its also vegan and free of gluten, soy, and sugar. I love the Vegan chocolate cereal milk. 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. Naked whey is made up of grass-fed whey protein and is hormone-free. Lead likes to replace other essential minerals in biological reactions, causing problems with protein formation. Many products are unfortunately contaminated with inorganic arsenic because of how contaminated the environment is becoming. This is likely due to plants absorbing higher amounts through the soil. Combine it with 12 ounces of liquid, such as almond milk or water, or use it to create a smoothie, according to the directions. You can read more about the Clean Label Project Purity Award Winning Protein Powder brands and how the Award program works here. (Read more about arsenic in rice and other foods, and how to protect yourself). The main ingredient in Ritual protein powder is pea protein, an organic, non-GMO, vegan-friendly source of protein. Researchers have identified that significant exposure to at least 23 different environmental metals (called "heavy metals") can contribute to acute or chronic toxicity. var pid = 'ca-pub-6224526633877486'; Each batch is tested to ensure safety, and all products are NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that they are free of any banned substances for athletes. "It is a vegan-friendly powder that is made from the humble yellow pea. 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. They will happily provide you with the test results if you contact them. The short answer is that heavy metals can build up in the body over time and cause health problems. Get the best food tips and diet Whey protein powders usually contain whey in three forms, depending on how they have been processed: Learn more. They cause little harm within safe levels. If you want to lose weight, you can also try incorporating more high protein foods throughout the day, as studies show that increasing your intake of protein could help reduce appetite and cravings (19). Nutrition stats per 1-scoop (30-g) serving: ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is formulated with a blend of plant-based proteins sourced from peas, brown rice, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Ora Organic uses monk fruit extract and stevia to sweeten the shakes. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price. A study of the 134 best-selling protein powders released Wednesday by a group called the Clean Label Project found that many of the plant-based proteins tested poorly with higher levels of heavy . BulkSupplements Casein Protein Powder is also a good source of calcium 578 milligrams (mg) or 45% of your daily recommended value per serving which may help improve dental and bone health (12, 13). 5 Adaptogen Science Tasty Whey Protein Powder Courtesy of Walmart There are lots of reasons to stay away from this protein powderincluding pesky thickeners and artificial flavors. For example, this blend of pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seed protein likely accounts for most of the carbohydrates," Goodson continues. Specific Vega products that tested extremely poorly are: -Vega One Plant-Based Mocha All-In-One Shake Steer clear if you have a soy allergy. You'll also want to decide between a plant-based powder, with the most common type being made from pea protein, or an animal product protein powder, with the most common being made from whey. Collagen powders, whey protein powders, and plant-based protein powders to name a few are all subject to this scrutiny of heavy metals. Johns Killer Protein has a variety of grass-fed or grass and oat-fed whey protein options. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e, Research has shown that iron supplementation can help boost workout performance, so a protein powder with this added mineral may be helpful. With 18 grams of protein per servings, this protein powders hits recovery from all angles.". Still, people describe it as having a great taste that makes it easy to drink and enjoy. Tone It Up Plant-Based Vanilla Protein - This pea and pumpkin seed protein blend is organic, sweetened with stevia and monk fruit, and tastes great! They have enlisted the help of Clean Label Project to go into the marketplace and randomly purchase and test their products to ensure that they continue to live up to these high standards. Vega is another top-selling retailer of plant-based protein powders. Some supplements could contain contaminants, such as yeast or bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness (24). The worst protein powders got a rating of just barely above 1 star by the Clean Label Project. Each serving gives you 30g of protein. The additives arent harmful, they just help the powder to mix more easily. How to Protect Yourself. However, they are under the limit set by other organizations. Every batch is third-party tested at an accredited lab for heavy metals and contaminants, such as yeast and bacteria. They also use non-GMO ingredients. Therefore, a chocolate whey protein powder, vegetable-based protein powder, or meal replacement are fairly likely to fail Prop 65 testing for at least one of the heavy metals, both because they contain cocoa powder, and because such supplements have large serving sizes. A brand mostly known for its mushroom coffees, Four Sigmatic also offers a line of healthy, simple-ingredient protein powders. Pure Food uses a blend of pea, brown rice, and hemp protein. Sproutein from Sprout Living Sproutein is probably the most nutrient-dense protein you'll ever find. Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified seals offer our most credible means of substantiation. The combination of all these plant protein sources gives you all the necessary amino acids. This protein powder consists of an ultrafiltered whey protein concentrate and microfiltered whey protein isolate blend. Plus, its certified by Informed Sport, a third-party organization that tests supplements for strength, safety, and purity. One dollar sign means the product is one of the least expensive on the list, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost. Foods to . Quinoa can reduce blood triglycerides and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (associated with the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes) in overweight and obese people, according to research 5. Vega Sport Premium Protein 6. Each serving contains 25g of protein. Arsenic Cadmium Chromium Lead Mercury Nickel Zinc Why Are Heavy Metals Bad? var ffid = 2; It often found in fish and seafood products, dental fillings, and pharmaceuticals. The simplest way is to get hold of the lab results either on their website or by asking them. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; It has been shown to improve nutritional status, immune function, and body composition during chemotherapy (17, 18). The powder is particularly a good choice for adding to smoothies or batters because it doesnt clump. All three products from BioChem received a perfect 5-star rating: BioChem Natural 100% Whey Protein Heavy Metals and Other Carcinogens. Ladder plant protein is a vegan friendly powder that is free of lactose and NSF-certified for purity. In addition to being a complete source of protein, hemp is also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Per 1 scoop: 140 calories, 0 g total fat, 85 mg sodium, 7 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 28 g protein . -Vega Sport Plant-Based Vanilla Performance Protein Ora Organic tests every batch for heavy metals and microbiological activity. The chocolate flavor will give you 22g of protein per serving. "One serving provides 26 grams of plant-based protein, six grams of fiber, and six milligrams of iron. This is mainly due to crops like peas and rice absorbing heavy metals from the surrounding soil. The heavy metals are unlikely added from the process of generating the protein powder, but much more likely from the source. Heavy metals have been a concern for a while now.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'nutritionlunatic_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nutritionlunatic_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'nutritionlunatic_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',105,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nutritionlunatic_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-105{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Whats more, you can mix and match their Flavor Boosts to find what works for you. According to the companys website, Navitas Organics products are third-party tested to ensure quality and safety, though the name of the testing organization isnt disclosed. OWYN offers a plant-based powder which provides 20 grams of protein from pea, pumpkin, and chia seeds. Mercury can damage the nervous, immune, and digestive systems; it can harm kidneys and lungs. For a plant-based food that normally costs more on average, the price per serving works out to roughly $1.23, which is unquestionably reasonable. If we consume a lot of protein powder, it may pose a risk to our health, which is why I always suggest getting a NSF certified protein - typically sport-tested proteins go through additional testing to improve safety if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'althealthworks_com-box-4','ezslot_6',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-althealthworks_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'althealthworks_com-box-4','ezslot_7',116,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-althealthworks_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-116{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:1px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:1px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Lead: After the Flint Water Scandal, where tap water supplies have been contaminated with extreme amounts of lead, this heavy metal is now coming to the forefront of more peoples consciousness. Over 45 Chocolate Brands Contain Toxic Amounts of Lead and Cadmium (Major Organic Store Chain Brands Are Included), These Foods Come with A Free Side of Arsenic, FDA Approved, Warning! -Vega One Plant-Based Mixed Berry All-In-One Shake Two of its organic products received 5 stars: Teras Whey Wild Blueberry Grass Fed Organic Whey Protein For example, this powder uses only nine ingredients. Plus, it has an earthy, nutty taste with no chalky aftertaste and can be used as a flour substitute. This powder consists of a blend of bio-fermented yellow pea protein, cold-pressed hemp protein, spirulina, and chlorella. Im not saying that this is what Clean Label is doing, but its something to keep in mind. Nutrition stats per 1-scoop (33-g) serving: Gainful is a subscription-based service that creates customized protein blends formulated just for you, which are sourced from ingredients like peas, brown rice, oat powder, or whey. The short answer is that heavy metals can build up in the body over time and cause health problems. You may see the label on this protein powder and feel hesitant about consuming "grass-fed beef powder." Here are 14 reasons for constant hunger. In particular, lead and cadmium can lead to bone fractures. Plus, its free of added sugar and is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning its a great choice for athletes. In fact, one product contained over 25 times the allowed limit in just one serving. Its also produced in a facility thats certified by NSF International. The biggest culprit to look out for is rice. I get the good stuff. The biggest four are arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium, with lead having the highest levels of metal in them. . Navitas Peruvian nibs: Average 0.44mcg/g (440 ppb) of cadmium and 0.01mcg/g ( 10 ppb) of lead. Nutiva is aware of the arsenic content in rice protein. They are willing to provide the test results upon request. According to the manufacturer, it is free of wheat, gluten, soy, eggs, shellfish, nuts, or artificial flavors and sweeteners. Their aim is for product labels to fully inform the customer of what they are eating or using. Its also formulated with several strains of probiotics, which are a form of beneficial bacteria that have been shown to support immunity and digestive health (15). This protein powder gets high marks for its formulation, with reviewers on Amazon noting that its easy to mix and has a mild flavor that works well when combined with other ingredients. Plant protein powders, such as soy and hemp, contained significantly higher levels than whey and egg protein. For reference, if a product is NSF-certified for sport, it means that it doesn't contain any banned substances. 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.