Protein Powders and Trace Heavy Metals - Why is Purity Important?
There has been much in the news as of late regarding the adverse effects of artificial sweeteners and ingredients in foods. In 2014, Mike Adams (aka the Health Ranger) published a report by Natural News e-zine that stirred up much concern for people using protein powders in their diets. Adams own testing lab found amounts of trace metals including mercury, cadmium, arsenic and aluminum, in popular brands. Adams cited that vegan protein powders are especially prone to having trace metals, and he also stated that he did not believe a brand of vegan protein powder existed that could be totally free of trace metals, as it is simply a biological element of plant uptake of ground toxins, especially rice. The main issue with trace heavy metals is that they build up in our body over time. Mercury is known to be a major contributor to a number of cancers.
First, I want to assure you that I have found a protein powder whose PURITY standards beats any claim of organic or non GMO. This is the company's response to my query regarding trace metals...
"Our protein powder does not contain Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury, aluminum. However is does contain copper. Copper is an important mineral for both skin and hair. Also, it is an important catalyst for enzymes, which allows for proper skin pigment formation. Copper occurs naturally in some of our ingredients. We are not aware of any concerns related to copper at the level present in our formulas. Nevertheless, if you would like to send related information, we would be more than happen to review it."
If you have questions about the information provided contact Purely Living Wellness for a comparison of protein powders.
When comparing, trends I noticed...the lesser cost products contain a large number of fillers and words I cannot pronounce. For example, one protein powder lists non-dairy creamer as its second ingredient! That was quite a shocker knowing how toxic non-dairy creamer is - very high in glutamates, which affect brain receptors. Corn syrup is another ingredient that showed up in a brand.
Another important note is the difference between a basic protein powder, and a meal replacement protein powder. Ensure 20 essential vitamins and minerals are present, plus anti-oxidants; and scores 100% on the amino acid profile, which is a pretty unique trait among vegan protein powders. It is the brilliance of a formulation that uses cranberry protein!
In the comparison chart the use of artificial sweeteners and flavors should be of concern for anyone interested in longevity of quality life, over immediate term weight loss. Women in Balance provides a very good article, worthy of your time, no matter your gender - on the effects of Splenda (aka sucralose) and artificial sweeteners. A book I highly recommend is by neurosurgeon, Dr. Russell Blaylock, called "Excitotoxins, the Taste that Kills". Artificial ingredients are highly inflammatory to the body, and especially to the brain. I have never understood the premise of wanting to lose weight and build muscle, but in doing so - risking your long term memory, as excitotoxins are directly linked to Alzheimer's, brain tumors and brain cancers.
If building lean muscle mass is "your thing" I have pulled together several resources on amino acid profiles, BCAAs, etc. for those involved in, or interested in, athletic performance. We are able to provide a breakdown of amino acid numbers for the protein formulation that we are using in our healthy living lifestyle.
We encourage people to read labels, do a bit of their own research when questions arise, and be pro-active in your health.
- Rita Shimniok, Purely Living Wellness LLC -2014
First, I want to assure you that I have found a protein powder whose PURITY standards beats any claim of organic or non GMO. This is the company's response to my query regarding trace metals...
"Our protein powder does not contain Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury, aluminum. However is does contain copper. Copper is an important mineral for both skin and hair. Also, it is an important catalyst for enzymes, which allows for proper skin pigment formation. Copper occurs naturally in some of our ingredients. We are not aware of any concerns related to copper at the level present in our formulas. Nevertheless, if you would like to send related information, we would be more than happen to review it."
If you have questions about the information provided contact Purely Living Wellness for a comparison of protein powders.
When comparing, trends I noticed...the lesser cost products contain a large number of fillers and words I cannot pronounce. For example, one protein powder lists non-dairy creamer as its second ingredient! That was quite a shocker knowing how toxic non-dairy creamer is - very high in glutamates, which affect brain receptors. Corn syrup is another ingredient that showed up in a brand.
Another important note is the difference between a basic protein powder, and a meal replacement protein powder. Ensure 20 essential vitamins and minerals are present, plus anti-oxidants; and scores 100% on the amino acid profile, which is a pretty unique trait among vegan protein powders. It is the brilliance of a formulation that uses cranberry protein!
In the comparison chart the use of artificial sweeteners and flavors should be of concern for anyone interested in longevity of quality life, over immediate term weight loss. Women in Balance provides a very good article, worthy of your time, no matter your gender - on the effects of Splenda (aka sucralose) and artificial sweeteners. A book I highly recommend is by neurosurgeon, Dr. Russell Blaylock, called "Excitotoxins, the Taste that Kills". Artificial ingredients are highly inflammatory to the body, and especially to the brain. I have never understood the premise of wanting to lose weight and build muscle, but in doing so - risking your long term memory, as excitotoxins are directly linked to Alzheimer's, brain tumors and brain cancers.
If building lean muscle mass is "your thing" I have pulled together several resources on amino acid profiles, BCAAs, etc. for those involved in, or interested in, athletic performance. We are able to provide a breakdown of amino acid numbers for the protein formulation that we are using in our healthy living lifestyle.
We encourage people to read labels, do a bit of their own research when questions arise, and be pro-active in your health.
- Rita Shimniok, Purely Living Wellness LLC -2014