The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the standards and labeling of organic products. The term "organic" provides a great deal of information regarding the production of organic protein powder, which can help you make a good choice. The label indicates how the product was produced and what procedures a manufacturer had to follow to receive the organic designation. If you question the use of production processes such as genetic engineering, an organic product may offer you an alternative.
What Is Organic?
Products labeled organic must adhere to the guidelines of the National Standards on Organic Agricultural Production and Handling, issued in 2000. In terms of organic protein powder, this means that the production must follow these standards from the development of a source, through harvest and processing. For plant-based powders, only select chemicals are permitted for use on agricultural crops. For animal-based powders, livestock must be fed organic feed. The use of ionizing radiation and other practices is prohibited. If you have concerns regarding food safety, an organic product may offer you a better option.
Types
You can buy organic protein powder in several different forms. Whey protein is derived from cow's milk. It is a complete protein, meaning it provides all the essential amino acids needed by the body. You can also find plant-based products that use hemp, brown rice and other foods for their base. These protein powders offer additional health benefits. Organic brown rice protein powder, for example, is an excellent source of whole grains.
Genetically Modified (GM) Foods
The organic designation means that organic protein powder does not contain genetically modified ingredients. Because the genetics of GM foods are altered, there is a risk of developing antibiotic resistance due to the way your body processes these foods. While not all health risks have adequate evidence to support them, the lack of definitive research calls into question the consumption of GM foods. These concerns are a non-issue if you use organic protein powder versus non-organic protein powder.
Benefits
One of the benefits of organic protein powder lies in its environmental impact. Organic farming minimizes its ecological impact, making it a more earth-friendly choice. If you have concerns regarding your environmental impact, choosing organic products can support farming practices that minimize pollution. Many organic protein powders contain no additives. This makes them a healthier choice for individuals with food sensitivities. Additives such as caramel coloring or natural flavors may contain gluten, making them unsafe for celiac disease patients. You can eliminate your risk of possible reactions by choosing an organic protein powder.
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Organic Farming
- Whey Protein Institute: Whey Protein FAQs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Protein
- ActionBioscience.org: Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/Animal Health?
- Organic Trade Association: NOSB Definition
- Celiac: Unsafe Gluten-Free Food List (Unsafe Ingredients)
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