Are the protein powders being used to keep the body fit, providing any benefit or harm? Why is it more important to take enough protein in food? Know from the expert.
“If you are drinking a glass of milk or smoothie by adding one spoon of protein powder, then it can be an easy and effective way to maintain your health because ultimately protein is a very effective way of making our body healthy and through protein. Only then our muscles and bones can remain developed and strong and the body continues to function smoothly. Many people become weak because there is not enough protein in their diet.
But wait.. this one spoonful of protein powder mixed with chocolate and vanilla powder can also harm your body. I would not recommend that you do this on your own without any medical advice.”
This statement is not ours, this is the statement of Kathy McManus, registered dietitian and director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Today we have started talking with this statement so that we can tell you when this protein is necessary to keep the body fit and under what circumstances it can become an enemy for your body?
What is the reality of protein powder (Protein powder for health)
In the changing world, the trend of physical care has also changed. The trend of going to the gym also increased and from there the use of protein powders in different flavors were invented.
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Protein powder seems like a healthy option, but it is not right to ignore the danger hidden behind it. Picking up products from the market and using them without expert advice is not at all right. Many times these contain harmful elements, excessive amounts of sugar or chemicals, whose prolonged use can harm your body.
Who really needs it?
- Bodybuilders, athletes or those who need more protein for muscle building or recovery. But keep in mind, they also do this under the supervision of experts and you also have to do the same.
- Doctors and experts give such advice to people who are recovering from a serious illness and whose demand for protein increases in their body.
- For those children, elderly or patients who are not getting adequate amount of protein from food, then appropriate amount of protein can be given to them with medical advice.
It is better to take protein in food - If you are adding protein to your diet then this is the best option. There will never be any protein deficiency in the body through these food items.
You will get protein here
1.Pulses and Gram
Pulses (mung, lentils, pigeon pea) and gram are good and vegetarian sources of protein. There will be no protein deficiency in the body by taking sprouted gram and moong dal for breakfast.
2.Milk and Dairy Products
Milk, curd, cheese, and buttermilk are rich in protein. Paneer contains high amounts of protein and calcium. Curd not only provides protein but also keeps the digestive system healthy.
3. Soya Products
Soybeans, tofu, and soy milk are good sources of protein. Soybean contains as much protein as non-vegetarian food and soya milk is good for those who do not drink normal milk.
4. Nuts and Seeds
A good amount of protein is found in nuts like almonds, peanuts, walnuts and sunflower, chia, and pumpkin seeds. These can be eaten as healthy snacks.
5. Eggs and Non-Vegetarian Foods
Egg is the easiest and cheapest source of protein. One egg contains about 6 grams of protein. In non-vegetarian food, chicken, fish and red meat are rich in protein.
What is the harm?
In the year 2021, an NGO named Clean Label Products had released a report about the toxic substances found in protein. Researchers had tested 134 protein products for this. The results found that many protein powders contained heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury), bisphenol-A (BPA, which is used to make plastics). Researchers had also expressed surprise at this result as to how protein powder could contain such elements in this quantity.
There are more disadvantages
1. Effect on kidneys
Taking excessive amounts of protein powder can put extra pressure on your kidneys, which will weaken your kidney functioning.
2. Digestion problems
Protein powder can give you problems like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Especially if you are lactose intolerant.
3. Excess Sugar and Chemicals
Many protein powders may contain synthetic sweeteners, preservatives, and other harmful ingredients, which are not good for your health at all.
4. Weight gain
If it is taken excessively, it will give extra calories and fat, which can increase your weight.
5. Effect on liver
If you are taking too much protein powder without the advice of a doctor or expert, it will have a bad effect on your liver.
So overall, taking protein in food is a better option for the body. Still, if you want to take protein as a supplement or you have such a need, then do not do so without expert supervision.
