Protein Supplements in Indian Market: Synopsis of Study report
In the quest for fitness and health, many of us turn to protein supplements as a convenient source of nutrition. But how safe are these powdered promises? A recent study titled “Citizen’s protein project” has shed light on some concerning truths about the popular protein supplements in the Indian market.
The study, led by Cyriac Abby Philips and his team, conducted an exhaustive analysis of these supplements. They found that many products did not meet their labelled protein content, and some even contained harmful substances like heavy metals, fungal toxins, and pesticide residues. These are the list of brands http://links.lww.com/MD/M105.This raises a significant question: Are we compromising our health for convenience?
Protein powders have become a staple in the diet of many fitness enthusiasts. They’re marketed as a quick fix to meet our daily protein needs, build muscle, and improve performance. Most protein supplements did not meet the labelled and advertised protein content, while certain brands surpassed the stated levels, raising concerns about potential “protein/amino spiking.” In addition, the major brands contained detectable fungal toxins and pesticide residues. Furthermore, many major formulations contained harmful heavy metals such as lead and arsenic, and some featured hepatoxic herbal extracts, particularly green tea extract, turmeric, Garcinia cambogia, and Ashwagandha. Indian-made products were inferior to those manufactured by multinational companies. The presence of various potentially toxic compounds, such as cycloheptatriene, benzene derivatives, toluene, and isopropyl alcohol, within a no standardized and unregulated diverse ingredient mix added to the overall concern.
FIG 1: summary of the of the project [1]
On the other side of the spectrum lies the humble yet powerful natural foods. Foods like lentils, chickpeas, nuts, fish, chicken, meat, seeds, and dairy are not only rich in protein but also provide a symphony of nutrients that work in harmony to nourish our bodies. They come without the risk of added toxins and are a safer bet for long-term health.
The simplicity of natural foods is their safety net. Unlike protein powders, which can contain a cocktail of ingredients with potential interactions, natural foods offer transparency. You know what you’re eating, and you can trace it back to its source.
The path to fitness doesn’t have to be laced with uncertainty and risk. By choosing natural foods over protein powders, we can ensure a safer journey to health. Let’s embrace the power of nature and make choices that sustain not only our bodies but also our peace of mind.
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