Vega Sport NSF-Certified Organic Protein Powder

Protein is an essential part of every human’s diet. Not only does it help build muscle, but it’s also important for boosting your immune system and burning off excess fat and calories. It even works to keep you fuller for a longer period of time, which can help prevent overeating.

Individuals looking to boost their protein intake can do so with organic protein powder. This versatile product can be mixed in with your morning oatmeal, added to your favorite smoothie or baked into a muffin. Before choosing a protein powder, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

First, you’ll need to choose a protein base. The powder may be based on whey, casein, soy, hemp, egg or plant-based proteins. If you have certain dietary restrictions, this information is important. For example, individuals who are lactose intolerant will need to avoid whey and casein-based proteins, as they are derived from milk.

Next, look for the amount of protein in grams. Some organic protein powders offer a higher protein content than others.

Sugar isn’t good for any diet, so you’ll want to search the product label to determine the amount of sugar in the protein powder. For example, some bottles have just 1 gram. These low sugar amounts are ideal.

Some organic protein powders are designed for specific groups of people. Check to see if the product you’re interested in will meet your needs. You may notice one brand is made for sport and workout enthusiasts, while another caters to vegans. There are also keto-friendly and gluten-free protein powders.

Lastly, when buying organic protein powders, you’ll discover they come in a wide range of flavors. Keep this in mind if you plan on mixing the powder with another food. A few popular flavors include chocolate, berry, mocha and vanilla.

What to Look For

• Check to see if the organic protein powder comes with any certifications. Look for things “certified vegan,” “USDA Organic certified,” “Informed Choice certified” or “Non-GMO Project verified.” These are good indications that you’re buying a quality product.
• Always read the product label thoroughly, and be on the lookout for artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners. Sticking to all-natural flavors, colors and sweeteners is better for your body.
• It’s always a good idea to go over your eating plan with your doctor or nutritionist. Some organic protein powders have added vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. If you’re already taking supplements, you may end up consuming more than the recommended daily dose. Additionally, some herbs interact negatively with certain medications, so it’s important to get the okay from your doctor if you take any prescription drugs.
• Always store your organic protein powder in its original container in a cool dry location. Moisture will cause the powder to spoil before the expiration date listed on the product packaging.
• Also, you’ll want to pay attention to the expiration date and use the protein powder up before the expiration date expires. The protein powder will lose its potency the longer it sits on your shelf. That means you won’t get the maximum benefits that you’re expecting.
• When determining if an organic protein powder is a good buy, you’ll need to divide the cost by the number of servings in the container. No matter how large the container, you’re sure to find a protein powder that fits your needs and your budget.

Once you know the organic protein powder has the amount of protein your looking for and uses only the highest quality ingredients, you can experiment with flavor.

Start off selecting a base liquid for your organic protein drink. You can always go with water, however, a milk base adds flavor and a creamier texture. Here are a few popular choices that have their own health benefits:

• Almond Milk: Almond milk has a nutty flavor and it’s low in calories and low in sugar. It’s an excellent choice for individuals who are interested in losing weight. This milk is also a good source of calcium, vitamin E and riboflavin.
• Coconut Milk: Coconut milk has the ability to boost the immune system and raise the body’s good cholesterol levels. It’s an excellent alternative to cow’s milk for individuals who have a lactose intolerance. Calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and iron are also found in coconut milk.
• Soy Milk: Soy milk has a beany flavor and it’s completely dairy-free. It’s an excellent choice for anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet. As for health benefits, you’ll find soy milk lowers blood pressure and works to prevent osteoporosis. In addition to protein, soy milk is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin D, thiamin and riboflavin.
• Oat Milk: Oat milk tastes like oats and is a plant-based milk that is full of fiber. If you have a sweet tooth, this milk is an excellent choice, as it’s much sweeter than cow’s milk. Oat milk is great for immunity and gut health and contains vitamin D, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin and iron.

After you have your milk base, you can consider adding a few other flavorful ingredients. Raw natural honey can be used for sweetness, as can an organic banana. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries not only add a berry flavor, but also provide antioxidant support to help your immune system during cold and flu season. A few other ingredients you can add to your organic protein powder drink to enhance flavor include dates, yogurt, grated dark chocolate, almond butter, avocado and pumpkin puree.

It is important to note that some organic protein powders are easier to mix than others. If you’re having trouble combining your choice of milk with the protein powder, consider purchasing a shaker bottle. Blenders are great when adding fruits to the drink, but you don’t want to take a bulky blender out when you’re just mixing the power with a liquid base.

Shaker bottles typically come with a ball inside that helps break up the powder, so that you get a smoother drink. You can consume this nutrient-dense beverage right from the shaker cup, which means one less glass to clean. Plus, unlike many blenders, most shaker bottles are dishwasher safe for easy clean up later on.