'Protein trend on the net. Dangerous or not so concerning at all?'

 

The excitement around high-protein diets continues unabated. Influencers and fitness experts are praising the benefits of protein-rich foods on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. However, nutritionists warn of potential 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀 from excessive protein consumption and 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 additives in dietary supplements. 😯

What risks arise? Too much protein 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻 and can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Furthermore, a study in the Department of Chemistry at TU Darmstadt from 2024 suggests that the risk of vascular diseases could also increase - the amino acid 𝗟𝗲𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻 has been identified here as a possible cause.

"Contaminants are often the chemical additives found in protein powders and -bars. In a study by the Consumer Center from 2023, significant concentrations of potentially toxic constituents such as molybdenum and chromium were detected in whey protein supplements."

So no more proteins? Yes, but experts recommend meeting protein needs through natural foods. "A balanced diet with legumes, whole grains, lean meat, and fish usually provides 𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝘄𝗲𝗶ß," emphasizes nutritionist Dagmar von Cramm. A review study by Dr. Thomas D. Drenjančević from 2023 also showed that 𝗦𝗼𝗷𝗮𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗸𝘁𝗲 can be a good alternative to whey protein, with similar effects on muscle building.

An additional tip from our side, relevant to natural protein sources: In particular, 𝗽𝗲𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 are gaining increasing importance as nutrient-rich, 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻-𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀. 🌱 Pea microgreens have a remarkably high protein content, which can be up to 𝟱𝟬% higher than that of mature peas. These young plants not only provide a 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲, but also a wealth of 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀, 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀, and 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Even if we don't have seeds for peas in our range yet, you can always experiment yourself. Use our 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Simply order propagation discs and you can get started! 🪴

REFERENCES: 

• Chandra, Divya, Jae Breum Kim, and Eun Ju Kim. "Influence of Germination and Elicitors on the Bioactive Compound Content and Nutritional Value of Soybean and Mung Bean Sprouts." Foods 10, no. 2 (2021): 445. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020445.
• Klaus, Susanne. "Risks of Excessive Protein Intake." German Institute for Nutritional Research, March 15, 2023.
• German Society for Nutrition. "Reference Values for Nutrient Intake: Protein." DGE Website. Accessed October 20, 2024. https://www.dge.de/science/reference values/protein/.
• Consumer Center. "Study on Contaminants in Protein Powders." Verbraucherzentrale.de, June 5, 2023.
• von Cramm, Dagmar. "Natural Protein Sources in Nutrition." Nutritional Consulting von Cramm, September 12, 2024.
• Drenjančević, Thomas D. "Soy Protein as an Alternative to Whey Protein: A Review Study." Journal of Nutritional Science 45, no. 3 (2023): 178-195.
• Lermyte, Frederik, Thomas D. Drenjančević, and Anna Schmidt. "Increased Protein Consumption and Atherosclerosis Risk: A Study on Leucine." Journal of Nutritional Medicine 12, no. 2 (2024): 45-62.
• Lermyte, Frederik, Michael Müller, and Sarah Johnson. "New Method for Determining Protein Compositions Using Mass Spectrometry." Nature Methods 21 (2024): 1234-1245.