Why your protein shake after the gym could make you fat

You may see bloggers and physical therapists shaking every day, but that does not mean you should. Scientists believe that daily protein shakes could cause us to accumulate extra pounds.

Protein powders and snack bars are packed with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA's), essential for the construction and repair of muscle fibers. You have them after a session at the gym to help you repair the muscles you have worked on. But it turns out that smelly amino acids can have negative side effects.

Scientists at the Charles Perkins Center at the University of Sydney have discovered that too many protein shakes and snacks could reduce our lifespan, make us morose and lead to weight gain.

Dr. Samantha Solon-Biet is interested in the impact of our foods on metabolic health, reproduction, appetite and aging.

High protein diets result in shorter lives

"While high-protein and low-carbohydrate diets have proven to be beneficial for reproductive function, they have had adverse health effects at the end of life and have also led to a reduction in life span" she explained.

"What this new research has shown is that the amino acid balance is important – it's best to vary the protein sources to make sure you get the best balance of amino acids." "

When we supplement with BCAA, this can cause a large amount of acids in our blood. They compete with tryptophan for transport to the brain.

We need tryptophan because it helps us to make the serotonin "happiness hormone". Serotonin not only makes us happier, it also helps us sleep better and reduce our appetite.

So, if we have a lot of BCAAs that prevent tryptophan from reaching the brain, we will start producing serotonin.

Lack of serotonin leads to overeating

"The decrease in serotonin caused by excessive consumption of BCAA resulted in mbadive overfeeding in our mice, which became extremely obese and led a shorter life," said Professor Stephen Simpson.

The mice received twice the normal amount of BCAA, either the standard amount or a half or a fifth for life. Those who were fed twice increased their food intake, resulting in obesity and a shorter life.

The conclusion? Get your protein from a wide range of natural sources – not in powder form.

Eat protein in the form of food – no powder

Lean meats, fish, eggs, soy, hemp and peas all contain protein and amino acids, and have additional benefits such as fiber, vitamins and minerals.

It is very important to make sure that you consume different sources of protein to obtain a variety of amino acids. In addition to protein, the consumption of tryptophan-rich foods is also important.

This will result in a better quality of sleep, a better mood and a controlled appetite. You can find it in seeds, nuts, soy, cheese, turkey and chicken.

Of course, take a protein shake if you run out of time or have trouble getting enough protein in your diet (if you're vegan, maybe), but do not rely on shakes as the main source of nutrition . .

This article originally appeared in The Sun and is republished here with permission.