Protein Powders, Gut Health & Sweetness

We’ve sampled many protein powders here in store!  And although I know it’s a matter of personal taste -  as a Naturopath I’m looking for a protein powder that tastes like whole food and not a sugary treat for myself and for my clients.  I’m also looking for a protein powder that is gentle on the gut and doesn’t result in any IBS type reactions.  Whey is definitely out as a contender.

The most popular protein powder in store, and one I think very highly of, is the Hemp Gold protein by Hemp Foods Australia – pure ingredients – only containing Hemp.  The flavoured varieties are also great – vanilla, berry or chocolate, and they don’t result in the lingering sweet taste on the tongue of the healthier sugar alternatives such as Stevia and Monk Fruit.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Flavour are very clean - Hemp Gold™ protein (59%)*, Cacao Powder (28%)*, Coconut Milk Powder*, Natural Chocolate Flavour, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla Extract, Silica, Thaumatin (0.09%) (protein extract from the West African Katemfe Fruit).

Lately, adopting a more keto style low-carb diet to reduce inflammation in the body caused by sugars, has led me to highly value collagen as the protein source.  Most protein powders will give you about 20g of protein from a 30g serving.  Collagen will give you about 20g of protein from a 22g serving. 

There are so many benefits to taking collagen such as healing of the gut lining, skin health, joint health.  And with no other ingredients in the list, it’s just a perfect choice for those managing blood sugar and associated insulin resistance.

Look for a collagen product that is purely collagen and no other additives.

Gut Healing Protein Smoothie Recipe

½ cup almond milk or water

1 cup mixed berries

10g-20g Collagen (I prefer to stick with 10g)

½ tbsp almond butter

1 tbsp cacao powder

Written by Amanda Roe-Hunter. Adv.Dip.Naturopathy.