Unwrap the facts

Munch Better Brownies have clean and simple ingredients that are easy to pronounce and understand. We are proud of having “NO BAD STUFF!” 

Third-party confirmed:

  • A leading 22grams of Protein;
  • More Iron than a serving of Spinach;
  • The Right sugar added (not artificial, not alcohol based)
  • More Potassium than a Banana;
  • No Artificial:
  • Sweeteners
  • Flavors
  • Preservatives
  • Colors
  • Benefits of Sea Salt
  • The Right Oil Used - Avocado Oil

Our Brownies, unlike others, has 2 major factors in blocking Insulin (Blood Sugar) Spikes - naturally.  First is our leading 22 grams of Protein, and Second is our selection of natural Monk Fruit extract. Studies found that foods, like ours, contain properties that can be healthy choices for people concerned about sugar spikes, including those with Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recognizes the Monk Fruit substitute as a good alternative to sugar for those living with Diabetes.

 

One study explored the effects of aspartame (chemical) and monk fruit (natural) sweetened beverages and their effects on the glycemic index of 30 male participants. Researchers measured the participants' blood glucose and insulin levels and found that Monk Fruit had little to no effect as opposed to artificial sweeteners, which raised these glycemic levels.

 

Monk Fruit extract obtains its sweet flavor from antioxidants in the fruit, called mogrosides. Monk Fruit does not contain glucose or fructose, making it a popular sweetener for dieters and people with blood sugar regulation issues. Mogroside extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as they inhibit certain harmful molecules and help prevent damage to your DNA.

 

Monk Fruit contains compounds that prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. When cholesterol oxidizes, it builds up into plaque in the blood vessels and arteries. The mogrocides in Monk Fruit can help prevent cholesterol from accumulating in the arteries and may even increase HDL (good cholesterol).

 

One thinks that food labeled as “no sugar” or “less sugar” must be better for us, but that is before reading the ingredients to discover whether its natural (Monk Fruit) or a list of chemicals (artificial sweeteners). A growing body of evidence suggests artificial sweeteners “can be worse for you than table sugar.” By example, recent research is connecting one particular artificial sweetener, erythritol, with some “very serious health risks.” Per the Cleveland Clinic 2023. Dr. Stanley Hazen, MD and PhD, a specialist in preventive cardiovascular medicine who was the senior author of the study.  We invested (yes it costs more) in using natural Monk Fruit extract sweetener, which is not artificial and not table sugar.

 

The Mayo Clinic stated that artificial sweeteners may not be as beneficial as once thought…. Also, be cautious with artificial sugars — including mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol. They can increase your blood sugar level. And for some people may cause diarrhea. - M. Regina Castro, M.D. 

 

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose may contribute to weight gain, and obesity is a risk factor for many further health issues. The Cleveland Clinic in 2023 published that “Often labeled as ‘diabetic-friendly’ or “calorie-free”, this sugar substitutes warrants caution.” It further stated that “Your body can easily digest sugar and use it for energy … But it can’t absorb or fully digest.” These artificial sugars/sweeteners have been linked to GI issues, laxative effect and weight gain. 

 

The American Diabetes Association published “A Word of Caution”.  They state “It’s also important to know that at this time, there is no clear evidence to suggest that using [artificial] sugar substitutes will help with managing blood sugar or weight or improving cardiometabolic health in the long run.” 

 

Longitudinal cohort studies found a positive association between the consumption of artificial sweeteners and the risk of hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular events. Thus, although the use of artificial sweeteners seems promising in assisting weight loss, these artificial sweeteners have been linked to a variety of health concerns, including obesity and its related cardiometabolic disturbances. 

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) released in 2023 a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners.  “The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of non-sugar sweeteners does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children. Results of the review also suggest that there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of NSS, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults." Replacing free sugars with non-sugar sweeteners does not help with weight control in the long term. People need to consider other ways to reduce free sugars intake” says Francesco Branca, WHO Director for Nutrition and Food Safety. 

 

The American Diabetes Association published in 2023 a study showing the relationship between artificial sweeteners and risk of type 2 diabetes.  To quote the study “These findings of positive associations between artificial sweetener intakes and increased T2D risk strengthen the evidence that these additives may not be safe sugar alternatives. This study provides important insights in the context of on-going reevaluation of artificial sweeteners by health authorities worldwide.”

 

Supporting Studies:

The Antioxidant Activities of Natural Sweeteners, Mogrosides, International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition. 2007 Nov; 58(7):548-56 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17852496/

12 Benefits of Monk Fruit, Kroma, https://kromawellness.com/blogs/news/monk-fruit-benefits

A High Protein Diet Is More Effective in Improving Insulin Resistance and Glycemic Variability Compared to a Mediterranean Diet—A Cross-Over Controlled Inpatient Dietary Study  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8707429/

Cleveland Clinic, 2023, What You Should Know About Sugar Alcohols, What You Should Know About Sugar Alcohols (clevelandclinic.org)

The Impact of Artificial Sweeteners on Body Weight Control and Glucose Homeostasis, National Library of Medicine,  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7817779/

WHO Advises Against Non-Sugar Sweeteners, May 2023 https://www.worldbakers.com/ingredient/who-advises-against-non-sugar-sweeteners-for-weight-control/

Cleveland Clinic Study Finds Common Artificial Sweetener Linked to Higher Rates of Heart Attack and Stroke, February 2023, https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/02/27/cleveland-clinic-study-finds-common-artificial-sweetener-linked-to-higher-rates-of-heart-attack-and-stroke/#:~:text=New%20Cleveland%20Clinic%20research%20showed,published%20today%20in%20Nature%20Medicine.

Diabetes & Food, American Diabetes Association, Get to Know Carbs, https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs/get-to-know-carbs

National Library of Medicine; March 2023, The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk - PubMed (nih.gov) Nat Med. 2023 Mar;29(3):710-718. doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02223-9. Epub 2023 Feb 27

Diabetes Care, July 2023, American Diabetes Association, Artificial Sweeteners and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/46/9/1681/153434/Artificial-Sweeteners-and-Risk-of-Type-2-Diabetes

Mayo Clinic, Artificial sweeteners: Any effect on Blook Sugar? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/artificial-sweeteners/faq-20058038

The great marketing gimmick to fool you – “Net” Carbs.

 

There is “no legal definition of “net”, “active” or “impact” carbs for food labels, so essentially it is a marketing gimmick to cover their use of artificial sweeteners (chemicals) and other similar ingredients. “These terms have been made up by food companies” says Dr. Wahida Karmally, DrPH, RD, Director of Nutrition at the Irving Center for Clinical Research at Columbia University. “It's a way for the manufacturers of these products to draw attention to them and make them look appealing by saying, 'Look, you can eat all these carbs, but you're really not impacting your health, so to speak.'” 

 

Health and diabetes authorities are cautious on the terms “net carb” as The American Diabetes Association tells patients that ‘the term “net carbs” does not have a legal definition and is not used by the Food and Drug Administration or not recognized by American Diabetes Association’ and recommends using total carbohydrates.

 

First, this net carb count is misleading as it does not consider the more important Protein to Carb Ratio (by example we have a high ratio = 22g of Protein to 13g of Carbs – others have more Carbs then Protein). 

 

Second, brands promoting their “net carb” count utilize artificial sweeteners to bring about the benefit of a lower count (“artificially” lower their count). Please read above about the risks of artificial sweeteners and Monk Fruit extract.

 

As to the Protein to Carb Ratio, is best used with foods that you will eat individually.  A recent study published in the National Library of Medicine called “Protein to Carb Ratio” “informative of a diet quality.”  Research shows the lower your carbohydrate and higher your protein grams comparison the less of a blood sugar elevation (and insulin secretion) you will create. They recommend you look for products with higher Protein compared to Carbs, and ignore the trendy unsupported “net” or “active” carb calculations, which hides the real carbs and Protein to Carb Ratio.

 

Supporting Studies:


When a Carb’s Not a Carb: The Net Carb Debate, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/women/features/net-carb-debate

Diabetes Daily, What Are ‘Net Carbs’ and Why Do They Matter?, April 2023, https://www.diabetesdaily.com/learn-about-diabetes/diet-and-fitness/understanding-dietary-macronutrients/carbohydrates-diabetes-key-facts-to-understand/what-are-net-carbs-and-why-do-they-matter/

National Library of Medicine; March 2023, The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk - PubMed (nih.gov) Nat Med. 2023 Mar;29(3):710-718. doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02223-9. Epub 2023 Feb 27

Avocado Oil has extensive benefits and avoids negatives of other Oils

 

Unlike other oils, Avocados are rich in health fats and easy to extract, meaning there’s no harsh chemicals, solvents or processing.

 

“The benefits of avocado oil are extensive!” In fact, TIME Magazine wrote that Avocado oil is a great choice.” And listed its only downside as “more expensive.”

 

Research shows avocado oil has beneficial effects on blood cholesterol levels, is high in antioxidants, like carotenoids, and aids in the absorption of key vitamins like A, D, E and K.

 

US News wrote in 2023, citing to Candace Pumper, a registered dietitian at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, that avocado oil has higher levels of plant sterols (beneficial compounds such as the aforementioned antioxidants and phytosterols). “These compounds have been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties,” Pumper explains.

 

It is well known to avoid many other types of oil, including Palm Oil, which is found in other “healthy” snack choices. This oil is “high in saturated fat, which means it can boost unhealthy cholesterol and triglycerides and raise the likelihood of heart disease.”

 

Similarly, TIME highlighted that Sunflower oil is high in Omega 6 polyunsaturated fats and is therefore inflammatory and unhealthy (not to be confused with Omega 3). The article called for “moderation” in consumption of sunflower oil.

 

Supporting Studies:

TIME Magazine, The 10 Best and Worst Oils for your Health, https://time.com/5342337/best-worst-cooking-oils-for-your-health/

 

Is Avocado Oil as Health as Avocado Fruit? Snap Kitchen, Sam Presicci, RDN

https://blog.snapkitchen.com/is-avocado-oil-as-healthy-as-avocado-fruit/#:~:text=It's%20an%20oil%20that's%20been,chemical%20solvents%20or%20extra%20processing.

 

US News, Comparing Avocado Oil and Olive Oil, 2023 https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/avocado-oil-vs-olive-oil-what-is-the-difference

 

Real Simple, Everything to Know About Palm Oil, 2023.

https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/what-is-palm-oil#:~:text=3%20Palm%20oil%20does%20not,in%20trans%20fat%20and%20butter.

The American Diabetes Association published in 2023 a study showing the relationship between artificial sweeteners and risk of type 2 diabetes.  To quote the study “These findings of positive associations between artificial sweetener intakes and increased T2D risk strengthen the evidence that these additives may not be safe sugar alternatives. This study provides important insights in the context of on-going reevaluation of artificial sweeteners by health authorities worldwide.”

Because Monk Fruit sweetener doesn’t change your blood sugar levels, that makes it a safe option for people with Diabetes. It’s also often used as a sugar substitute in keto diets. Monk Fruit sugar has been approved for general use in the U.S., so children and pregnant people can enjoy it as well.

John Hopkins University research published in The Global Diabetes Community found that “the study’s results indicate that these [certain popular] sugar substitutes may actually be harmful to those with the metabolic condition.” Further the publication states “While they’re advertised as a healthy alternative for those managing diabetes, new research shows they might actually impede blood glucose regulation.” Additionally, “It was found that the participants in the saccharin and sucralose groups had markable spikes in their blood sugar following the glucose tolerance tests.” 

 

The Mayo Clinic stated that artificial sweeteners “may not be as beneficial as once thought…. Also, be cautious with sugar chemicals — including mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol. These can increase your blood sugar level. - M. Regina Castro, M.D.   

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) released in 2023 a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners.  “The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of non-sugar sweeteners does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children. Results of the review also suggest that there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of NSS, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults." Replacing free sugars with non-sugar sweeteners does not help with weight control in the long term. People need to consider other ways to reduce free sugars intake” says Francesco Branca, WHO Director for Nutrition and Food Safety. 

 

The American Diabetes Association published “A Word of Caution”.  They state “It’s also important to know that at this time, there is no clear evidence to suggest that using [artificial] sugar substitutes will help with managing blood sugar or weight or improving cardiometabolic health in the long run.” 

 

While you might see it on some food packaging, the term “net carbs” does not have a legal definition and is not used by the Food and Drug Administration or not recognized by American Diabetes Association. The FDA recommends using total carbohydrates on the nutrition facts label.

 

Supporting Studies:

Diabetes Care, July 2023, American Diabetes Association, Artificial Sweeteners and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/46/9/1681/153434/Artificial-Sweeteners-and-Risk-of-Type-2-Diabetes

What to Know About Monkfruit Sugar, July 2023, WebMD, Medically Reviewed by Christin Mikstas, RD, LC https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-monk-fruit-sugar

The Global Diabetes Community, Diabetes.co.uk, https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2022/aug/popular-artificial-sweeteners-found-to-raise-blood-sugar.html

Medical News Today, Can people with diabetes eat coconut palm sugar, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317613

Mayo Clinic, Artificial sweeteners: Any effect on Blook Sugar? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/artificial-sweeteners/faq-20058038

WHO Advises Against Non-Sugar Sweeteners, May 2023 https://www.worldbakers.com/ingredient/who-advises-against-non-sugar-sweeteners-for-weight-control/

It’s natural to think that foods labeled as “no sugar” or “less sugar” must be better for us. And artificial sweeteners can sound like a better choice than sugar, especially if you’re living with diabetes, following a keto diet or looking to lose weight or eat heathier. But in truth, that might not be the case. A growing body of evidence suggests artificial sweeteners “can be worse for you than table sugar.” By example, recent research is connecting one particular artificial sweetener, erythritol, with some “very serious health risks.” Per the Cleveland Clinic 2023. Dr. Stanley Hazen, MD and PhD, a specialist in preventive cardiovascular medicine who was the senior author of the study.

The American Diabetes Association published “A Word of Caution” on Sugar Alcohols. They states “It’s also important to know that at this time, there is no clear evidence to suggest that using sugar substitutes will help with managing blood sugar or weight or improving cardiometabolic health in the long run.”

Similarly, the National Institute of Health published a 2023 finding “reveal that erythritol (common sugar alcohol) is both associated with incident MACE risk and fosters enhanced thrombosis.”

The American Diabetes Association published in 2023 a study showing the relationship between artificial sweeteners and risk of type 2 diabetes. To quote the study “These findings of positive associations between artificial sweetener intakes and increased T2D risk strengthen the evidence that these additives may not be safe sugar alternatives. This study provides important insights in the context of on-going reevaluation of artificial sweeteners by health authorities worldwide.”

The Mayo Clinic stated that artificial sweeteners “may not be as beneficial as once thought…. Also, be cautious with sugar alcohols — including mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol. Sugar alcohols can increase your blood sugar level. And for some people, sugar alcohols may cause diarrhea.” - M. Regina Castro, M.D.

Cleveland Clinic Study Finds Common Artificial Sweetener Linked to Higher Rates of Heart Attack and Stroke, February 2023, https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/02/27/cleveland-clinic-study-finds-common-artificial-sweetener-linked-to-higher-rates-of-heart-attack-and-stroke/

Diabetes & Food, American Diabetes Association, Get to Know Carbs, https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs/get-to-know-carbs

National Library of Medicine; March 2023, The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk - PubMed (nih.gov) Nat Med. 2023 Mar;29(3):710-718. doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02223-9. Epub 2023 Feb 27

Diabetes Care, July 2023, American Diabetes Association, Artificial Sweeteners and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/46/9/1681/153434/Artificial-Sweeteners-and-Risk-of-Type-2-Diabetes

Mayo Clinic, Artificial sweeteners: Any effect on Blood Sugar? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/artificial-sweeteners/faq-20058038

The result of our trade secret recipe is about 50% more Iron than an equivalent serving size of Spinach per the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

A 2023 Clinical Trial found that Iron is key for oxygen transport and energy metabolism for exercise capacity and to prevent shortness of breath and exhaustion during exercise. A lack of iron can strongly affect physical work capacity by reducing oxygen transport to muscles.

Spinach, raw 10/30/2020 https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1103136/nutrients

Influence of iron supplementation on fatigue, mood states and sweating profiles. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9932653/

You may have heard the wise tale to eat a banana if you cramp or to avoid cramping – it’s true, but it may not be enough Potassium. In fact our Brownies has about 50% more Potassium than that Banana without being mushy or those unpleasant brown spots.

It has been studied that the “importance of potassium is highly underestimated.”

In addition to avoiding those painful cramps, Potassium is directly linked to reducing blood pressure, protecting against strokes and preventing osteoporosis and kidney stones.

USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Banana, raw https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1102653/nutrients

What does Potassium Do for Your Body? A Detailed Review. Healthline, Nutrition https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-does-potassium-do

Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook 2nd Ed. For more information contact: Jessica Pellicciotta, MA,RD, villanova.edu/content/dam/villanova/studentlife/documents/healthpromotion/muslce%20cramps.pdf

Harvard School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source, Potassium https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/potassium/

Collagen is an important building block in bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscle. It plays a big role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Collagen is a protein responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity or stretchiness. In fact, it makes up three-quarters (3/4) of your skin and one-third (1/3) of the protein in your body.

As you age, it's harder to keep up your natural collagen levels. 

Collagen also:

  • Giving structure, strength and elasticity to your skin!
  • Helps your blood clot!
  • Creates a protective cover for your organs!
  • Helping fibroblasts form in your dermis (middle skin layer), which helps new cells grow!

A review and analysis of 19 studies, published in the International Journal of Dermatology, that had a total of 1,125 participants. Those who used collagen supplements saw an improvement in the firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin, with wrinkles appearing less noticeable.

As with all protein structures, collagen is built from amino acids. Collagen contains 19 amino acids and 8 essential amino acids. The main aminos that make up collagen are glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine.  

 

Supporting Studies:

Web MD,  December 2023, Jabeen Begum, MD, Health Benefits of Collagen

Cleveland Clinic, 2022, Health Library: Collagen https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen

Harvard Health Publication, April 2023, Are collagen products worthwhile for skin, nails, and hair? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/considering-collagen-drinks-and-supplements-202304122911

It is well known that Sea Salt is less heavily processed than table salt and is not mined from underground salt deposits, as it is produced through evaporation of saltwater.

Sea Salt intake induced less hypertension than refined salt and caused less damage to the heart and the kidney. It is likely that the major beneficial effect of sea salt is associated with the mineral content of the sea salt that is known to be anti-hypertensive.

The Health Science Academy, Sea Salt vs Table Salt, https://thehealthsciencesacademy.org/sea-salt-vs-table-salt-whats-the-difference/

Food & Nutrition Research, National Library of Medicine, 2017, Natural Sea Salt Consumption confers protection against hypertension, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5328355/

Pea Protein and Rice Protein outperform and outlast – and absorbs faster (and better) than Whey Protein

Pea protein is a plant-based protein derived from dried yellow split peas ground into flour, says Jordan Hill, a Denver-based registered dietitian nutritionist and sports performance dietitian at Top Nutrition Coaching.

“Unlike other plant proteins, pea protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids,” explains Jenna Stangland, registered dietitian nutritionist, director of nutrition for the Minnesota Timberwolves and an advisor for supplement company Momentous. Essential amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained from food sources.

Rice protein is recognized for its hypoallergenic nature, exceptional digestibility, and robust nutritional profile.  Rice stands as a valuable reservoir of nutritional and nutraceutical elements beneficial to human health.

Pea protein powder offers a range of health benefits, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking a clean and plant-based protein source. It can support muscle growth, weight loss, and heart health along with other potential health benefits.

Yes, you can build bigger, stronger muscles with pea protein. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition showed a significantly great effect on muscle thickness in those who consumed pea protein vs. whey protein or a placebo. 

Pea protein is generally easier on the stomach and less likely to cause digestive discomfort. Pea protein has a 94% rate of digestibility, meaning almost all of it will break down during digestion and cause little stress to your gut.

Pea protein also scores well when it comes to bioavailability, which just refers to how much of the protein can actually be absorbed and used by the body. Add to the list of benefits that studies show that pea protein supports muscle growth just as well as whey protein. 

Turns out that it takes 1.5 hours for viscous liquids (e.g. a whey protein shake) to pass through the section of the gut that can actually absorb it.  However, the maximum rate that whey protein can be absorbed is about 8-10 grams per hour (so anything more may pass through your body without absorption and associated benefits).

While many types of whey protein contain allergens like lactose and gluten, most types of pea protein are free from all of the most common allergens.  Whey protein concentrate is higher in milk sugars and milk fat and lower in amino acids, says Stangland.

The digestibility of rice protein, standing at 93%, is attributed to its elevated lysine concentration, approximately 4%, resulting in a notable biological value of 74% and a protein efficiency ratio ranging from 2.02% to 2.04% (Verma and Srivastav, 2020). These characteristics position rice proteins as a versatile candidate for diverse applications, including their incorporation as functional food ingredients in formulations for infants, elderly populations, sports nutrition, and as alternative protein sources in plant-based foods.

According to a University of Tampa study with 24 college-aged, resistance trained males, combining rice protein with training 3 days a week (for 8 weeks total) helped increase muscle mass and reduce body fat. The results were comparable to the group which took whey protein instead of rice protein.

Cleveland Clinic identifies Side Effects and Risks of Whey Protein, including the drawbacks of:

  • Cause of Acne. Whey can mess with the production of acne-causing hormones, insulin and androgens, which can overstimulate sebum production and oil glands that cause acne. Men’s Health, Nutrition, June 2022, What is Whey Protein?

Based on personal observations of Dermatologists, Nutritionists and patients, a new problem emerges in the gyms: development and exacerbation of acne in users of whey protein, which is a protein derived from cow's milk. Whey Protein extract contains growth factors that may be related to acne. Its purity and composition are not fully known and there is no scientific research on its potential to cause acne.

Whey protein supplements are associated with papulonodular acne involving the trunk and sometimes the face. Results  show   a   statistically   significant   increase   in   the   number  of  acne  pustules,  papules,  and  comedones  among  protein-supplement  users  over  the  study  period.  When  the  Leeds  Acne  Grading  System  revised by Cunliffe was applied, 7% of participants exhibited none or mild acne at the beginning of the study,  compared  to  74%  at  the  end  of  the  study (10 times).

  • Extra sugar or processed ingredients: Many protein snacks, powders and shakes contain processed ingredients like artificial flavors, sweeteners or added sugar. If you use a protein supplement look at the ingredients, says Smith.
  • Possible digestive problems: Some people experience constipation, diarrhea or nausea from taking whey protein. The reasons range from the lactose, by products and poor digestibility (and rate) of Whey Protein.

Did you know - Whey protein is the byproduct of the process of turning milk into cheese. The negative side effects caused by whey protein include stomach cramps, excessive gas, irregular bowel movements, nausea and headaches. People have also reported having an inflammatory immune response such as congestion and mucous build up as a result of consuming whey protein and while many try to live with such symptoms and brush them off, they are not to be overlooked.

Supporting Studies:

National Library of Medicine, The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3698202/  

SportsMD.com, September 2023, Pea Protein vs Whey: Which is Better? https://www.sportsmd.com/2023/09/14/pea-protein-vs-whey-which-is-better/#:~:text=Pea%20protein%20is%20generally%20easier,or%20gas%20with%20whey%20protein

Men’s Health, Nutrition, June 2022, What is Whey Protein? https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/a24482378/what-is-whey-protein/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_mnh_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_20520886479&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw_ZC2BhAQEiwAXSgCluHqUQYEffToMS8-tcMrUFTOr_btUNuXaUiCnANIvDUptJukeybAOhoCz7sQAvD_BwE

Science Direct, March 2024, Journal of Cereal Science, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0733521024000250

Cleveland Clinic, March 2023, Health Essentials, What You Need to Know About Rice Proteins https://health.clevelandclinic.org/brown-rice-protein

Naked Nutrition, August 2020, Top 10 Benefits of Rice Protein https://nakednutrition.com/blogs/protein/top-10-benefits-rice-protein?srsltid=AfmBOoqrhvM7tO6WbKMZVDJOOcv8ogS11HU3bLJarIfcXILoVaMrq8Ry

Is protein absorption the problem?, By Helen Kollias, PhD, https://www.precisionnutrition.com/rr-whey-too-much

Dermatology Online Journal, 2020, Acne related to dietary supplements https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9rp7t2p2

National Library of Medicine, Incidence of acne vulgaris in young adult users https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3900340/

Forbes Health, January 2024, Pea Protein vs. Whey Protein: Which is Better? https://www.forbes.com/health/supplements/pea-protein-vs-whey/

Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials, January 2021, Is Whey Protein Good for You? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-whey-protein-good-for-you