Atlering Protein Powder By Cooking It?

annepage

I've seen recipes that involve baking/cooking/microwaving protein powder and was wondering if this is nutritionally changing the protein powder, more specifically, whey protein powder?

Since meat can become tougher when cooked, I imagine cooking whey protein powder could change it structurally but I don't know if that's the same thing as changing it nutritionally.

Then again, we can milk and I've never thought about the nutritional value of that changing from what's on the carton when drunk cold. For that matter, I've never really considered whether the nutritional value of a lot of foods that are consumed is taken after the food has been heated/pasteurized, etc or before, though after makes the most sense.

Any thoughts?

Riemersma4

I have never thought of heating protein powder. Hopefully you will get an informed response. looking forward to the answer.

npalacios78

I´ve done it several times for cookie and pancake recipes. You get a different texture (a bit harder), the taste remains almost the same, and what I´ve read in protein recipe books is that the only effect on the protein powder is denaturing. Based on those books it doesn´t loose any of the nutritional properties................and btw, it´s a pretty good way of saving some bucks on protein bars.........great healthy homemade snacks.

haroon_awan

Nutritionally you do not change it. It will have the same calories, proteins, fats and carbs (except maybe if you burn it - not sure about that). You may change the nature of the protein but this isn't a big issue in my opinion.

Here's a great recipe from Adam Gethin:
Muscle muffins

90g oats (any kind)
40g almond flour (ground almonds)
1 whole egg and 2 egg whites OR 2 whole eggs
2 scoops protein powder
1 glass (200-250ml) almond milk
BLEND & place in baking tray for 25-30 minutes (at 200 degrees Celsius)

No_Finish_Line

i wouldn't think it would matter much either, but thats mostly because of the popularity of using it in cooking.

Idk, correct me if i'm wrong, but if the molecules denaturate then wouldn't the enzymes responsible for digesting them no longer work?

annepage

Okay, so if proteins area made of amino acids, I'm guessing they contain all the nutrients. So they rearrange but stay chemically the same?

annepage

Nutritionally you do not change it. It will have the same calories, proteins, fats and carbs (except maybe if you burn it - not sure about that). You may change the nature of the protein but this isn't a big issue in my opinion.

Here's a great recipe from Adam Gethin:
Muscle muffins

90g oats (any kind)
40g almond flour (ground almonds)
1 whole egg and 2 egg whites OR 2 whole eggs
2 scoops protein powder
1 glass (200-250ml) almond milk
BLEND & place in baking tray for 25-30 minutes (at 200 degrees Celsius)

These sound good. Thanks. Will try them out.

haroon_awan

i wouldn't think it would matter much either, but thats mostly because of the popularity of using it in cooking.

Idk, correct me if i'm wrong, but if the molecules denaturate then wouldn't the enzymes responsible for digesting them no longer work?

I am not 100% sure but it is my understanding that the heated powder will be deficient in some of the enzymes, yes, compared to having a protein shake normally. But I wouldn't take this as a motive to stop cooking with protein powders. You will still get the benefits (and the psychological satisfaction of having a treat) you intended to.

Okay, so if proteins area made of amino acids, I'm guessing they contain all the nutrients. So they rearrange but stay chemically the same?

I'm not sure if they actually rearrange but the overall benefit is mostly the same. Don't worry too much about it. Overcomplicating things can cause stress and you don't need that!