This is a meal replacement shake that claims to be clinically shown to provide lean muscle growth and weight loss. There are 23 vitamins and minerals along with 24 grams of protein in these shakes.
The company claims it is a superior meal replacement shake because of its high level of nutrients and low sodium, fats, and cholesterol. You can blend the shake with either milk or water to make an instant replacement meal. They also have said their shakes are made without hormones or antibiotics. Therefore, is this really a solution for weight loss? What possible effects will come from this shake?
Let’s look at some of the ingredients in Isagenix IsaLean Shake:
Milk Protein Concentrate:
This is a 40% to 90% protein, by weight, milk extract that is spray dried and processed. It’s a cheap way to incorporate protein and is often found in many processed foods to increase protein levels.
There have been concerns by various groups regarding the safety of this ingredient. As it is imported from other countries, with different safety standards, there could be a risk for toxins.
Melamine Corruption In Milk Protein Concentrates:
Melamine can cause organ damage and many other health problems. According to the Food & Water Watch Organization, pasteurization will not kill off melamine and has shown up in many milk protein concentrate blends.
Fructose:
Fructose is a fruit sugar that is added for a sweeter taste but does not offer any nutritional value whatsoever. It’s also considered one of the worst sweeteners because it can lead to many health issues. A Louisiana University study showed that fructose may have detrimental effects and may cause future risks of cardiovascular disease. Fructose stored in your liver can cause negative health problems. Many studies have indicated that this ingredient should not be eaten as it can be substituted for better sweeteners.
The study also showed high levels of cholesterol and there is reduced 24-h plasma insulin and leptin concentrations.
Leptin:
This is a hormone which cuts off hunger. If altered it can actually increase your appetite and could lead to obesity.
Xanthan Gum:
This is a thickener that is also found in processed foods and is made from fermented sugar and bacteria. It can cause bloating, stomach problems, diarrhea, and is considered a very cheap ingredient that offers fiber and thickening properties.
The Quality Of The Isagenix Ingredients:
The shakes have a substantially high caloric count of 240 grams and 11 grams of sugar. With these many calories, you would have to burn more calories in order to lose weight. Two shakes will provide 480 calories which is much higher than other meal replacements.
Although there are 24 grams of protein, it’s not all quality whey. Some of the protein comes from non-fat milk and milk protein concentrate and both can be purchased at a much cheaper cost.
Overall, there are too many calories and sugar in order to promote a healthy weight loss. Some of the ingredients are cheap and can lead to weight gain.
Their 14-serving canister sells for $51.95. If you consumed two shakes a day, for a total of 28 days, it will cost you $207.80. This is an exceptionally expensive shake compared to other meal replacement shakes. With its high level of sugar and some really cheap protein ingredients, it’s not worth it. There are other meal replacement shakes that are higher quality and better choices.
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