Good Lifestyle

A few weeks ago, F-Factor-The popular high fiber diet program - wasallegedly claimed by several women Having causes significant side effects, including painful bloating, urinary tract infections, rashes and even heavy metal intoxication. The controversy surrounding this reaction of F-Factor protein supplements has had consumers querying the level of toxins in the product and asking for F-factor to publish a certificate of analysis (COA). After many debates, F-factorreleased their coa On August 27, which established the level of heavy metals that were found in the product. Although it may seem jarring to consumers, it is a reality in many protein powders and supplements that customers should be aware of F-factor products only.

Heavy metals are in protein powders Due to the ground, these plants grow. Herbal proteins usually come from soy and hemp, which rests on the ground to grow. This type of plant is subject to the absorption of heavy metals due to contaminated soils, pollution and industrial agriculture. In 2018, theClean label project Published a study where they evaluated 134 protein powder products of choice, indicating that 75% of herbal protein powders have been positive for heavy metals. Most of the time, these protein powders are those labeled organic. Organic products averaged twice as heavy metals in them compared to whey protein powders and non-biological products.

Nevertheless, whey products - such as F-Factor's - can still have traces of heavy metals and high levels of toxins. And yet, while the COA can be useful for consumers to see and evaluate what is in their protein powders, revealing this type of information is not required of companies.The surprising truth about protein powders? Companies should not reveal the level of toxins and chemicals within their products by law. It is not illegal to conceal it.

The appropriate assessment of protein powder - and what is not revealed to the public.

Jaclyn Bowen, MPH, MS and Executive Director of the Clean Label Project (CLP), are particularly from the truth to the consumers of their products. The CLP is constantly testing different products and recently revealed a study (and prosecutions) concerningPaint cutter found in a popular decaf coffeeManufacturers. After examining the F-Factor coa, she had some points to share, including theCLP processand the side effects of consuming contaminants on the body.

"So many people and trademarks are heavy metals, pesticides and contamination of plasticizer," says Bowen. "The regulatory home of food safety in America is pathogenic agents and microbiological contaminants - things that will give you vomiting or diarrhea from 24 to 48 hours. However, the feeling of consumption is moving towards the role that The safety of food and consumers plays the safety of chronic products [as] cancers, infertility, etc. These diseases do not occur for years or even decades. There is a growing divide between the Court of Law and the Public opinion court on food and consumer safety. Cleancast The label project uses consumer education to learn on changing industry and regulatory reform. "

One-way products are evaluated by law by California's proposal 65 (Prop 65). Created in 1986 through the Drinking Water Act and the Toxic Application Act, Prop 65 requires companies to provide appropriate warnings to California residents on any significant exposure to chemicals causing cancer, defects in birth and breeding damage. TheCalifornia Office of Environmental Health and Risk Assessment (OEHHA) oversees the labeling of tests and Prop 65, and protein products - like F-Factor's - will add this warning label to their packaging so that consumers are aware.

"Obviously, the requirements around the prop 65 concern each company that makes its own analysis as to whether it is necessary to have a warning of Prop 65, and then to make this type of warning and connection with that" , "said Christina Tusan, supervising the assistant city prosecutor of the Consumer Protection Unit and the Los Angeles County workplace.

However,Although Prop 65 warning label is required for California, companies are not required to release their complete assessment.

"It's not necessary, but it's a decision that businesses are doing and something that consumers may want to look at their own choices. But it is not legally necessary that people ask," says Tusan.

So, if a company does not have to free their COA, or even a list of traces of chemicals and heavy metals in their products, how do you know if a product is safe? Tusan recommends going to third-party sources that test these products for safe consumption (such as CLP) and more closely review food and drug administration reports (FDA).

Amy Goodson, Ms., R & D, CSSD, LD, is a sports dietitian who constantly examines the types of products that athletes use. It recommends trying to see if the product isNSF certified for sport andEnlightened choice, that it considers the standards of gold in terms of third party test programs.

"This can help minimize the risk that protein powders and supplements are laced with other ingredients than on the label," says Goodson. "Although it may not be a 100% guarantee, it is very close and will give them of these higher risk supplements."

The CLP is also critical on these products, ensuring that those they recommend being really safe for consumers to use. It is not necessary for companies to go through the CLP process, but it may be useful to set up projecting companies that strive for transparency and accountability with their clients.Pori is one of these brands and the only company that submittedAll their products for evaluation. Although their products contain a small amount of heavy metals and toxins, the CLP always recommends it as one of the best protein powders to consume. Pori is part of a very small handful of other companies considered own by the CLP.

Puii can be transparent about what is in their products, but other companies maintain it under wraps. Since many companies do not reveal this information to the public, it can be difficult for consumers to make decisions about protein supplements. Which brings us to the question - does it even deserve to consume these products?

Are protein powders safe to consume?

According toThe Oehha siteProp 65 requires companies to warn consumers if any of the products they use at home or in their workplace contain household products, food, drugs, dyes or solvents. The chemical list is updated at least once a year and includes about 900 chemicals as it was published for the first time in 1987.

What is important to note is how these products are evaluated. Tusan explains thatThe Prop 65 analysis is based on the product per use, not what happens when you consume a lot of this product in one day.

"One can eat multiple products in one day and perform an analysis on whether a product is less than the prop 65 or slightly above, but they can also consume more than the daily average daily service of the product That day, or they can consume other products with heavy metals that will significantly increase the total amount of heavy metals they consume in a day, "says Tusan." In general, I think every consumer should lead his own analysis of their diet and what can be in the food they ate. "

As well as Rachel Paul, PhD, RD ofCOLLEGENUTIENTIONRIONISTIST.COMI first recommend to obtain high quality entire food sources proteins before turning into a high consumption of protein and product powders.

"I recommend that people try to lose weight or lose body fat or maintain their weight, try to consume most of their food sources of entire food sources [as] eggs, chicken, of the Meat, fish and dairy, "says Paul. "If a person eats a whole food system, real food and consume egg, chicken, meat, fish or dairy proteins in most meals, they will probably have the amount of proteins they need . "

"Ideally, people should strive to obtain high quality protein-meaning that it contains all essential amino acids - and this can be done with whole foods as well as beverages such as milk," says Goodson .

However, if their recommendation is to find whole food sources for protein consumption, they both deny the use of protein powder in its diet. Like Tusan mentioned, it is the choice of the consumer.

"One of the challenges of protein is that many of them must be hot or cold as meat, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy products," says Goodson. "Protein powder can be a great way to get protein conveniently as it can be mixed insmoothies, mixed in oatmeal, used in recipes as a replacement of half of the flour, etcetera. Is the protein powder required? No. Can it be a useful way to enter protein for some people like these and exercisers or athletes? Yes."

The protein is important for the body.

"The protein is made from small molecules called amino acids," says Paul. "Our bodies can actually produce amino acids, but many are consumed in the diet, called" essential amino acids ". The sources of animal protein provide all essential amino acids - they are known as" complete protein sources Plant-based foods provide only some of the amino acids we need, they are called "incomplete protein sources". "

"[IT] is for the essential growth and development of muscles and other tissues, helps provide a structure, helps maintain an adequate pH balance and a fluid balance, act as chemical messengers that facilitate communication between Your cells, fabrics and organs. The protein also slows down digestion, it helps you fully faster, stay longer and maintain a stable blood glucose, "says Goodson.

On the other hand, all these amino acids, including essential amino acids, can be difficult, especially for a person who does not consume any source of animal protein.Tori Simeone, a coach forTone (A company that offers a wide range of protein products), says the search for a high protein supplement can be a way to get these amino acids.

"Your body does not do it alone, then you have to get them from the food you eat," Simeone says. "It can be difficult to get all your essential amino acids every day, especially if you are based on herbal, the addition of a high quality protein supplement can be vital."

Even ifrecommended daily admission (DRI) of protein 56 grams a day for a man and 46 grams a day for a woman, this can easily be individualized according to activity levels. This is why the use of protein powders has become popular, even dating from the 1950s when bodybuilders were known to consume these types of products and protein supplements that have become normalized.

"As a sports dietitian, it is very helpful to help athletes get protein quickly after a workout," says Goodson. "Is it the only way to get it? No. But maybe it can be a practical way to quickly get protein to help your body get what it needs? Yes."

"Whether you use whey proteins, plant-based proteins, casein proteins or other people, you should always ask why I'm taking that and when I'm taking that," Said Jordan Mazur, Ms. RD for the 49ers and the performance of San Francisco. Engineer forImportant. "I always recommend a protein supplement as precisely that, to complete the diet. If you are traveling and you do not have access to sources of actual food proteins ... Use the protein powder to fill the Ditching between meals.

A protein supplement can be part of that, but the measurement of the measure is important.If you have too much, you will consume a higher amount of chemicals and toxins, then what has been recommended and tested by California Prop 65, or sometimes even the sources of FDA and third parties.

Be a review of what you consume.

Part of Tusan's work, as well as FDA, is facing many cases of misfortune and false advertising. In many cases, the label does not always tell you what the product provides accurately.

"You may have a protein that says it does not have any special chemical or metal, but in fact tests show that it does," says Tusan. "So, although it is not on a dangerous level, it can sometimes be worrying, so we are looking at and evaluating these cases and we will progress if necessary. But I think it's something for consumers to be at Current, these are the affirmations they are made and what data beyond that. "

When selecting a product, Bowen has some recommendations to keep in mind. The first is to make a lactose-based protein, preferably vanilla, because chocolate is considered the most contaminated product. She says too50% of protein powders tested through the CLP had bisphenol A (BPA) levels due to plastic packaging-whoStudies show Can be dangerous in terms of corporal processes due to estrogen receptors such as growth, cellular repair, fetal development, energy levels and reproduction.

It is important to browse these third-party sources and evaluate, like the CLP and keep a close eye on what the FDA reports. If a company is not as transparent of their products, be a criticist of what you consume. Ask yourself if you are comfortable consuming something you are not sure 100% of what is there.

Instead, add sources of whole food protein to your meals like these19 high protein breakfasts that hold you fully.