Protein Powders

There are many protein powders on the market today. While some people are sensitive to dairy/whey proteins they are one of the most bio available proteins for those who do tolerate them. 

If you use whey protein try to find one with some of these qualities: 

1. Pasture-fed cows' whey, NOT pesticide-treated, grain-fed cows' whey Compared to grain-fed cows, pasture-fed cows produce whey that...
*contains an impressive amino acid and immuno-supportive nutrient profile
*Is rich in healthy fats - lipolic acid and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)

2. GMO-free -
*Always look for and choose whey that is GMO-free

3. Cold processed to protect the nutrients in their natural state, NOT heat processed - The majority of whey is heat processed which...
*Makes the whey acidic and nutritionally deficient
*Damages the immuno-supportive micronutrients and amino acids
*Makes whey inadequate for consumption
*Also called non denatured

4. Acid-free processing, NOT Acid / Ion Exchange Processing - The bottom line is that Acid/Ion Exchange processing...
*Is a less healthful, cheaper process than acid-free processing
*Denatures amino acid profiles by using acids and chemicals to separate the whey from the fats

5. Whey protein concentrate, NOT protein isolates - Protein isolates are proteins stripped away from their nutritional cofactors. I have issues with isolates because...
*Most isolates are exposed to acid processing
*Your body cannot assimilate proteins in isolated form
*Due to over-processing, isolates are deficient in key amino acids and nutritional cofactors

6. Sweetened naturally, NOT artificially, and low carb - Many whey powders...
*Are artificially sweetened making them undesirable if you have sugar sensitivities, or you want to avoid putting synthetic sweeteners or flavors in your body
*Tend not to be low carb
*Contain sugar alcohols, glycerin, or gluten, and some even use high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a sweetener

7. Maximum biological value, NOT compromised or damaged - Most whey proteins provide some benefit. But, due to the ingredients, the source of the whey, the concentration of beneficial nutrients, or the type of    processing, many whey products simply don't deliver what they promise.You want whey that...
*Retains its maximum biological value
*Contains all the key amino acids, cofactors, and beneficial micronutrients present and intact rather than compromised or damaged
*Is not lacking any amino acids or other essential nutrients

8. Easy to Digest, NOT Causing Digestive Stress - Many whey products contain long-chain fatty acids which are hard to digest and require bile acids to absorb.
You want a whey protein powder that...
*Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)
*Is easily absorbed, digested quickly, and is utilized as energy without causing digestive stress
*Ideally, contains coconut oil - one of the best sources of MCT

9. Free from Toxic Heavy Metals or at Such Low Levels NOT to be a Health Risk - You want to avoid protein powders, both whey and non-whey, that contain dangerous levels of heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and    arsenic. Any high concentration of heavy metals consumed over time could lead to serious health consequences.  In fact, a Consumer Reports' evaluation showed how some leading brands of protein powders exceeded United States Pharmacopoeia's (USP) recommended safety limits for certain heavy metals.

http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2011/05/11/whey-protein-shown-superior-to-other-milk-proteins-for-building-muscle.aspx