What’s The Deal With Protein Shakes?

Protein shakes usually come in powder or ready-to-drink form, allowing the user to ingest as much or as little as desired. Protein shakes have a recommended serving size but can be customized per person by adding more powder to the mix or having an additional protein shake. Protein source and quantity are essential components when considering diet, weight, and physical activity. As a popular nutritional supplement made with different ingredients, the question is, are protein shakes safe? What’s the best method for losing weight and increasing nutrition?

Protein shake potential risks

There are some possible risks to factor in when drinking protein shakes. Most protein shakes are supplements that have not been tested by the FDA, making many of the claims unfounded. Ingredients might be high in calories, fat, and sugar, depending on the product. Other products might have dubious ingredients or ingredient sourcing, such as growing plant proteins in toxic soil environments. Researchers screened 134 protein powder products for 130 types of toxins and found many contained heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium. Artificial flavorings or additives might cause digestive distress, especially on the immunocompromised.

Not necessary but convenient

There are some temporary benefits to drinking protein shakes. For example, replacing a meal with a protein shake might help with weight loss, but only temporarily. The days of people falling for those meal replacement fasting shakes with a laundry list of beneficial claims are over. However, protein shakes still serve as a token of convenience. In an ideal scenario, humans should eat a diet balanced with protein sources such as lean meats, poultry, milk, whey, casein, egg, soy, rice, beans, nuts, seeds, and fish. Don’t forget varying whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fats. Life doesn’t always work that way. Sipping on a carefully vetted out protein shake is totally okay.

Choosing the right protein shake

Seeking a nutritious protein shake doesn’t have to be a chore. Always check the label. High carbs, low carbs, low sugar, protein source, can all vary depending on a person’s particular needs. Maybe the product is not a protein shake at all, perhaps a chocolate milk checks all the boxes. Next, eat whole foods whenever possible for the best options and seek out doctor advice on how to best lose weight and increase personal nutrition. Lastly, think about the manufacturing and processing of the actual protein source and the effect on the body.