All posts tagged: protein

Why You Should Add Eggs to Your Protein Rotation

Why You Should Add Eggs to Your Protein Rotation

Published by Jenni Sidey

Poached. Fried. Soft-boiled. On sourdough or with fries. Give them to us however you got ‘em. But is there a preferred window to indulge in eggs from a fitness perspective? And should we really be skipping the yolk? It turns out, the science is rapidly changing in the world of eggs. Luckily, here our experts have dug down, scooping out the nutritional know-how you need to help you maximize your eggy intake. Why are eggs so good? “I absolutely love eggs,” says Nutritionist Dana Chapman, who’s presumably knocking off poached eggs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Taste and versatility aside, Chapman is a fan of hen’s jewels for their nutritional content. We’re talking massive levels of choline—a key nutrient needed for brain health and protective against conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, as well as being integral in the production of neurotransmitters associated with motivation, sleep, and libido. They’re also packed with vitamin A, essential for reproduction, gut health, good eye sight (see also: carrots), and healthy skin. Eggs also provide your daily dose of selenium which …

Scientists Identify Protein That Fuels Brain Ageing

Scientists Identify Protein That Fuels Brain Ageing

Published by Sam Flores

Brain ageing is a complicated process, unlikely to have a single cause. But scientists think they may have found a key piece in the puzzle: protein FTL1. A study published in Nature Ageing looked at how the brains of mice changed as they aged. They wanted to see what might drive the processes that can slow down our mental activity and impair our memory over the years. They found that the protein seemed to be the only consistent difference between younger and older mice minds – and they think they know how to counter it. What does FLT1 do? In older mice, FLT1 levels were higher. They had fewer connections in a part of the brain called the hippocampus (which is responsible for learning and memory), and their cognitive abilities weren’t as high as those of the younger mice. To investigate whether the protein itself was causing that change, the scientists gave younger mice more of the protein than their bodies naturally made. When they did that, the younger mice had “synaptic changes and cognitive …

Protein Overload Impact On Hair

Protein Overload Impact On Hair

Published by Sam Flores

If protein is a building block of hair, it can only be a good thing to load up on lots of products that contain protein, right? Popular hair repair options these days include keratin, collagen, peptides and bond-building complexes that claim to improve the health of your hair. But don’t load up on them too fast… While protein helps maintain strong, healthy hair, strands can actually become stiff and brittle when topically applied protein builds up faster than hair can handle it, leading to breakage, frizz and tangling. Here, experts explain what protein overload is, how to spot it in your hair and how to rebalance your routine. Why too much protein can backfire Protein is made primarily of keratin, which gives each strand of hair strength and structure. Bonds, also known as crosslinks, between keratin chains within the hair allow it to stretch. “Healthy hair is the state where this protein matrix and its crosslinks are intact enough that fibres resist traction, yet still show good elastic return and cosmetic shine,” explained Caroline Ruggiero, …

Protein chips, sex chocolate: what are ‘functional foods’, and do they actually boost health? | Well actually

Protein chips, sex chocolate: what are ‘functional foods’, and do they actually boost health? | Well actually

Published by Sam Flores

You’re at the grocery store, looking for a sweet snack. But these days, the chocolate aisle promises so much more than that: mental clarity, a stronger immune system, PMS relief and even sexual stamina – all in a few squares. Chocolate is hardly the only treat to be reborn as a wellness product. Supermarket shelves now boast chips with added protein, gut-friendly sodas and collagen oatmeal – all part of the fast-growing “functional foods” market, which is expected to reach $586bn globally by 2030. Functional foods have been around for decades, but are taking off anew. Consumers have become more health-conscious, weight-loss drugs are changing people’s eating habits and strained household budgets make non-essentials harder to justify, said Marion Nestle, a professor emerita of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University. “That’s sort of a perfect storm,” Nestle said. “This is the era of wellness influencers – whether science has anything to do with it, we can argue about.” So, can souped-up snacks actually change our brains and bodies, or is the …

Best protein powder | Fit&Well

Best protein powder | Fit&Well

Published by Jenni Sidey

1. Dymatize Nutrition ISO100 ☆☆☆☆☆ High-quality ingredientsRead more▼ 2. Myprotein Impact Whey Protein ☆☆☆☆☆ Good value for moneyRead more▼ 3. Form Performance Protein ☆☆☆☆☆ 30g of vegan proteinRead more▼ 4. Innermost The Lean Protein ☆☆☆☆☆ Supports fat metabolismRead more▼ 5. The Protein Works Vegan Wondershake ☆☆☆☆☆ Low-carb, calorie and fatRead more▼ Protein is a vital macronutrient that our bodies chiefly use for maintenance, repair and growth. When mixed into a shake, the best protein powders are a convenient way to deliver the nutrient after a workout, or whenever we need to top up our protein levels. As well as building muscle, protein can also help those looking to lose weight, as has the added benefit of increasing satiety levels, helping us feel fuller for longer, according to evidence from the British Journal of Nutrition. Ensuring you get adequate protein will also help to support your metabolism, immune system and hormonal balance. While the best sources of protein are healthy whole foods, most of us find it difficult to do that within the 60-minute post-exercise window …

You Need More Protein If You’re Working Hard in the Gym—Here’s How Much

You Need More Protein If You’re Working Hard in the Gym—Here’s How Much

Published by Jenni Sidey

Heading to the gym to lift a few weights can be a gateway drug to a whole wellness routine. Before you know it, you’re doing pre-workout mobility drills. You’re foam rolling, or using one of those fancy massage guns that make it look like you’re about to drill a hole into your thigh. And what about those $15 protein shakes they’re selling in the front lobby? If you don’t drink one after you work out, does all that energy you spent picking things up and putting them down become a waste of time? That barista trying to upsell you on an extra scoop of protein powder may not have solid science backing him up, but it’s true that people who exercise regularly have higher protein needs than your average couch potato. Our bodies need the amino acids we get from protein—the building blocks of muscle—to repair the tissue that’s broken down during workouts. Sports dietitian Sarah Gilbert, MS, RDN, LDN, CSSD, of the Sargent Choice Nutrition Center at Boston University points out that most Americans …

Game changer: Italian pheasant ragu recipe richer, leaner and higher in protein than chicken

Game changer: Italian pheasant ragu recipe richer, leaner and higher in protein than chicken

Published by Daniella Wilson

Sign up to IndyEat’s free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free We are all familiar with the flavours and ingredients of Italian cooking and how delicious they are. What is less known is how well these ingredients marry with game, such as pheasant. As shooting season has drawn to a close, and pheasant is traditionally hung for 21 days before being consumed, it is now plentiful at local butchers and easy to source and cook at home. It’s a healthy protein choice, which is low in fat and high in protein – more than chicken and turkey. It is also a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A and B. This dish is the perfect choice for a chilly spring evening: hearty, warming, healthy and easy to make! Pheasant ragu Serves: 4 Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour Ingredients: For the pasta: 300g spaghetti (or pappardelle …

You’re probably getting enough protein – just maybe not the right kind

You’re probably getting enough protein – just maybe not the right kind

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the Well Enough newsletter with Harry Bullmore for tips on living a healthier, happier and longer life Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Protein seems to be everywhere these days for Americans. It’s in your shakes, it’s in your pancakes and popcorn. Heck, it’s even in your mac and cheese. Most Americans were already getting more than enough protein in their daily diet before the craze, according to experts. It just may not all be the best kind. “While meat provides high-quality protein, some meats also provide unhealthy amounts of saturated fats and sodium,” Harvard Health says. “If you eat meat, it’s important to choose leaner meats and poultry.” Protein has garnered new interest as political figures push Americans to eat more. But some proteins, such as those from red meat, come with an increased risk of other problems, such as heart disease. Experts say Americans are getting too much protein in their daily diet – and not enough of the sources that are …

Everything You Need to Know About the David Protein Bar Class-Action Lawsuit

Everything You Need to Know About the David Protein Bar Class-Action Lawsuit

Published by Jenni Sidey

David Protein, with its sleek gold packaging, TikTok-first marketing strategy, and its bars boasting impressive nutritional value (0 grams of sugar, 28 grams of protein, and 150 calories) has successfully captured the zeitgeist. So much so that last week, when a lawsuit that alleged that the protein bars might actually have as much as 83 percent more calories and 400 percent more fat than listed on their nutrition labels went viral, it sparked a public outcry. On TikTok, users compared David to Kälteen, the fictional bars Regina George ate in Mean Girls that made her rapidly gain weight. “David Protein Bars are actually Fat Bars,” wrote one TikTok user. The David co-founder and CEO hit back with a statement on March 12th. “Our products are labeled correctly and in full compliance with all FDA regulations,” Peter Rahal wrote. “The claims in this lawsuit are meritless and reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of basic, well-established scientific principles regarding how calories are determined under U.S. nutrition labeling standards for ingredients like EPG [esterified propoxylated glycerol].” While the suit …

A registered dietitian says you should forget about “maxxing” your fiber or protein and focus on these four actionable tips to eat better instead

A registered dietitian says you should forget about “maxxing” your fiber or protein and focus on these four actionable tips to eat better instead

Published by Jenni Sidey

Seemingly, everyone has nutrition advice to offer these days, which, while I’m sure it’s all well-meaning, tends to be contradictory, which can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. Who to trust? That’s an easy one. Trust dietitians, or to give them their formal US title, registered dietitian nutritionists, RDNs for short. To call yourself a dietitian in the US you need, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program and [to have] completed a supervised practice requirement, passed a national exam and continue professional development throughout their careers.” Article continues below You may like One of the perks of my job is that I get a lot of face time with dietitians, and I can ask them for their best (and least gimmicky) advice to help make healthier dietary choices. In this instance, I asked registered dietitian Amy Shapiro, who is also lead nutritionist for ButcherBox, to share her top nutrition tips. She gave me four simple tips to improve your diet. 1. Don’t …