Is Core Power Protein Bad For You?
Short answer
Core Power Protein is not great for you. Although it offers 26 grams of proteins per serving, it also includes 26 grams of sugar—which is a lot.
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
On social media and in advertisements, Core Power Protein is represented by elite athletes like Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and New York Rangers Captain Ryan McDonagh. However, despite being promoted by these powerful competitors, Core Power Protein markets the concept of “everyday awesome.” Meaning, while Biles and McDonagh might be amazing now, they started out as normal individuals with goals who found a reason to be “awesome” every single day.
Core Power promises to help support those goals with their pre-mixed protein drinks, stating: “Core Power is a delicious source of high protein nutrition and energy that helps you do more. And be more.”
It’s a nice, inspirational story—but does Core Power Protein really work? Or is it just a marketing gimmick?
First, let’s look at where exactly Core Power Protein comes from. It’s a product of Fairlife, LLC, a group of dairy farmers focused on delivering sustainable, “grass to glass” products. The company was formed with the help of Coca-Cola back in 2012, and launched officially in 2015.
Fairlife’s “ultra-filtered milk” is the base for Core Power Protein drinks. The company’s standard protein milkshake offers 14 grams of essential amino acids, 5 grams of branched chain amino acids and 26 grams of protein. It comes in three flavors (vanilla, chocolate, and banana) consisting of around 240 calories per shake. The company claims that the shakes help shorten your recovery time and reduce overall inflammation.
At face value, Core Power Protein shakes don’t seem too bad: famous athletes, ultra-filtered milk, amino acids and tons of protein. All in a convenient, ready-to-drink bottle. What’s not to love?
However, once you take a look at the ingredients listed, you’ll notice a major red flag. “Cane sugar” is listed as the second primary ingredient of Core Power Protein: there are 26 grams of sugar in every bottle. That’s a lot—the American Heart Association recommends that men limit their sugar intake to 37.5 grams per day, while women should only consume 25 grams per day.
While occasionally going over your daily allotted sugar probably won’t cause any serious problems, frequent excess sugar consumption can lead to serious health conditions. It’s been linked to tooth decay, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancers and more.
Because of the high sugar content, you should pass on Core Power Protein whenever possible. Try to get your daily recommended protein intake from a healthy diet instead—lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes are all great natural sources of protein without all the added sugar.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- tooth decay
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obesity
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type 2 diabetes
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heart disease
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cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- convenient
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offers significant protein
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reduces recovery time
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may decrease inflammation
Healthier alternatives
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