Homemade Protein Powder: A Safer and More Affordable Alternative
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If you’re a gym enthusiast or engaged in any sort of physical training, trainers often recommend incorporating protein powder into your diet. Ever since people have become concerned about their health, a spike in the sales of protein powder has been noticed. While they are good for health, they tend to be heavy on the pocket. How about making protein powder at home? There are plenty of protein sources, like fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat, available on the market.  

However, protein powders provide a concentrated source of protein, a macronutrient crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining various bodily processes. For individuals with higher protein needs, such as athletes or those engaging in intense physical training, protein powders offer a quick and efficient way to supplement their protein intake without consuming excessive calories or having to prepare elaborate meals.  

Additionally, protein powders can be particularly useful for individuals following certain dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians or vegans, who may struggle to obtain sufficient protein from traditional food sources. Protein powder can be easily incorporated into shakes, smoothies, or recipes, providing a quick and efficient way to meet daily protein requirements.  

Protein powder has become a popular dietary supplement known for its convenience and potential benefits. Derived from various sources such as whey, casein, soy, or plant-based alternatives like pea or rice protein, protein powder offers a concentrated dose of protein, a crucial macronutrient essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.  

Although the primary function of protein powder is to provide your body with a sufficient amount of nutrients, sometimes it can trigger certain side effects. According to Harvard Medical School, protein powders may contain added sugar, calories, or even toxic chemicals that can be dangerous to your health. The researchers at Harvard found that certain protein powders contain contaminants that have been linked to cancer and other health conditions.  

It is best to make protein powders at home that are free of toxic ingredients and are fully healthy. This protein powder can be consumed with milk after workout sessions. Also, you can add it to your smoothies and shakes.  

Take a look at how to make it at home: 

Ingredients    

  • 1 cup of rolled oats  
  • Almonds    
  • Half a cup of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds  
  • 1/2 cup of dry pulses such as lentils or chana dal  
  • Half a cup of dry coconut pieces  
  • 1/4 cup of chia seeds or flax seeds  
  • 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder  
  • Cinnamon to taste  
  • Sweetener (honey or maple syrup) to taste  

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Put oats, dry fruits, and dry pulses on a baking sheet and toast them for 10–15 minutes until they turn light golden and emit fragrance.  
  • Let it cool and put all of them in a blender along with ground coconut flakes, chia seeds, or flax seeds.  
  • Make it into a fine powder, and do not let large chunks settle. To omit large chunks, strain it on a sieve.    
  • Your protein powder is ready. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place.   

Although it is a good habit to make protein powders at home, you must consult a dietician and nutritionist beforehand. The specialist concerned will help you to guide through the health benefits, required proportions of nutrients and warn you about allergies, if you have any.