Heavy metals are found in protein powdersdue to the soil these plants are growing in.

Plant-based protein usually comes from soy and hemp, which relies on soil to grow.

Most of the time these protein powders are the ones labeled organic.

protein powder

Kelly Sikkema/ Unsplash

Nevertheless, whey-based productslike F-Factor’scan still have traces of the heavy metals and high levels of toxins.

The proper evaluation of protein powderand what isn’t revealed to the public.

“So many people and brands discount heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizer contamination,” says Bowen.

These diseases don’t manifest themselves for years, even decades.

Clean Label Project uses consumer education to pull through industry change and regulatory reform."

One way products are evaluated by law is through California’s Proposition 65 (Prop 65).

But it’s not legally required thing that people post," says Tusan.

Puori is part of a very small handful of other companies that are considered clean by the CLP.

Puori may be transparent about what’s in their products, but some other companies keep it under wraps.

Which brings us to the questionis it even worth consuming these products at all?

Are protein powders safe to consume?

What’s important to note is how these products are being evaluated.

Like Tusan mentioned, it is about the consumer’s choice.

Is protein powder required?

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Protein is important for the body.

“Protein is made from smaller molecules called amino acids,” says Paul.

Animal protein sources provide all essential amino acidsthey’re known as ‘complete’ protein sources.

“Is it the only way to get it?

“I always recommend a protein supplement as exactly that, to supplement the diet.

Be a critic of what you consume.

In many cases, the label doesn’t always tell you what the product accurately provides.

When picking a product, Bowen has a few recommendations to keep in mind.

Ask yourself if you are comfortable consuming something that you aren’t 100% sure what’s in it.

Instead, add whole-food sources of protein to your meals like these19 High Protein Breakfasts That Keep You Full.