Originally published July 24 2005
Know your protein drink ingredients
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In order to make an informed choice about protein drinks, you must first examine the value of the ingredients, whether they are organic and how are they processed, and which recipes guarantee maximum flavor and nutrition for your money.
A protein drink is good for anyone needing a ready source of easy-to-digest protein.
As the name suggests, protein is the primary ingredient in these meal replacements, which also typically contain flavoring agents and nutritional additives.
Protein concentrates The protein in instant drinks is typically a bland-flavored powdered rice, soy or milk byproduct.
# Soy protein: A byproduct of soy oil production, soy protein is available in more than one form.
Advertisement Soy protein isolate is extracted using high-temperatures and caustic hexane solvents.
# Whey protein: When milk is curdled into cheese the thin, protein-rich liquid that remains is whey.
The branched-chain amino acids found in whey protein are metabolized directly into muscle tissue (unlike other amino acids that are metabolized into the liver).
It improves digestion and nutrient absorption because whey's glycomacropeptides support healthful populations of intestinal micro-flora.
Whey may appear in various forms on a label, depending upon how it's manufactured, such as---sweet whey, whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein, whey powder or whey concentrate.
Nutritional additives As both the protein and flavoring agents in a protein drink are relatively inexpensive ingredients, the potentially more expensive nutritional additives are what should determine its price.
These additives may include vitamins, minerals, fats, enzymes, herbs, botanical extracts and fiber.
For example, a common additive, and one that I question, is the addition of flax meal or ground flax seeds.
No matter how many exotic botanicals or herbs they might contain, the amount is often too minuscule to be effective.
A home-blended energy drink made with real fruit doesn't need flavorings, and its vitality is superior to anything from a package.
Place the fruit and milk or yogurt in a blender and blend until uniform.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml