Can I Add Protein Powder To Tea

Can You Add Protein Powder To Tea

You might be wondering if protein powders can be added to your tea without giving harmful side effects. Luckily, it can be added! If a cup of tea has been a part of your daily diet, then adding protein powder into the cup might be a good idea for more health benefits, right?

We all know protein is an important part of every cell in our body because of its essential functions like hormone production and effective immune response. Basically, it helps in building and repairing body tissues and cells that is why this particular healthy powder has made it to the top must-have list of every health enthusiast.

So, imagine if you try to mix these all together. It would definitely give you massive benefits in your body, isn’t it?

Let us dig deeper into that!

But first if you just want the best protein powder to add to tea then find out the detials here or for a full review on the best tasting ones we have an article here.

We also have a great article on adding it to coffee also – more information here.  

Also an anti-inflammatory protein shake.

Benefits Of Protein Powder

According to the U.S National Library of Medicine, the amount of protein that the body needs depends on several factors like age, sex, activity level, and health. But the average recommended daily allowance (RDA) of the majority of healthy individuals is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. 

How Much Protein Does an Athlete Need?

But if you aim for muscle growth and you are an athlete, the American College of Sports Medicine suggests that the average intake of protein for athletes is 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight.

As we age, we eventually lose muscles that is why it is important for adults to take one and a half to two times more protein each day to help increase lean body mass and muscle strength.

With that, let us see what this brings in your body:

• Antioxidants found in tea can enhance your metabolism.
• A low-glycemic-load diet such as mixing protein powder and tea together gives the body the ability to lose weight while improving your lipid profiles.
• Protein supplements can significantly improve muscle growth and size.
• Gives quick recovery for muscle sores and sprains after an intense workout or activity.
• Improve immune responses.
• Can reduce blood pressure to patients with hypertension.
• Reduce bad breath.
• Can help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Types of protein powder

• Whey

Whey protein is a byproduct of cheesemaking that is water-soluble where tons of proteins that the body need are found. It is very useful in aiming for certain goals such as targeting the protein recommended daily allowance, limiting fat gain, limiting muscle loss, and improves body resistance during heavy exercises. This comes in different flavors such as chocolate or vanilla.

Whey powders come in four forms that are all abundant in branch-chain amino acids (BCAA) that are very important in repairing and rebuilding muscle damage caused by excessive physical activities. These four forms of whey powders are hydrolysate, isolate, concentrate, and native.

• Hemp

Hemp seeds are another source of complete protein, which means that they give all essential BCAA that contain the important fatty acids that the body needs. This is usually used by vegans and lactose intolerant individuals. In fact, it contains many proteins as much as beef and lamb. Two to three tablespoons of hemp seeds are equivalent to eleven grams of proteins.

This is also a hypoallergenic and high-fiber source of protein derived from the seed of the cannabis plant but doesn’t contain the harmful psychoactive compound.

• Soy

Soy is a recommended alternative to whey or casein which are dairy products. This is made from soybeans. One ounce of soy powder is equivalent to 23 grams of protein. While it is a good source of protein, it also contains phytates that decrease mineral absorption.

• Casein

Casein has amino acids that are rich in glutamine which is responsible for speeding up the recovery of muscles after extensive workouts or activities. It is a slow-digesting dairy that is best taken every night and before you do your exercises. This is almost entirely made from cow’s milk to provide enough nutrients needed for the repair and rebuilding of your muscles.

• Pea

Pea is another high-quality and unflavored plant-based supplement that is the best alternative for soy and dairy-based protein. This is the safest supplement you can take since it is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and does not contain allergens like eggs, nuts, cow’s milk, wheat, soy, and shellfish. This is not a complete protein source but it can gradually release amino acids overnight.

Does hot water in tea destroy the protein powder?

It has always been a myth that when we take any health supplements with hot water, hot temperature, or exposed in heat, it will eventually decrease its effectiveness.

But the real thing is, NO. Any supplements that have BCAA cannot be broken down with normal temperatures. Although they may change in shapes or forms with high temperatures, their nutritional functions stay the same. It is just the like when we consume a protein source of any kind, it is going to break down throughout the body because of the digestion process but the individual amino acids stay well in the body and have no negative impact on its functions and effectiveness in any way.

The utmost temperature that protein powders can take is up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit or 46 degrees Celsius. Beyond that, digestive enzymes might not function well and their shapes might change.

To reduce or prevent moisture, it is recommended to store your products in a cool, dry place and divide it into small different containers and never leave them open.

When should I take tea with protein powder

This can be taken at any time but the most recommended way is to drink it after your workout or at night. Your muscles need fuel or a refill of protein after using it up from your workouts or activities. It will do its own recovery process by flooding your bloodstream with a good amount of amino acids that are directly flowed in your muscles to regain new muscle tissues.

According to Barbara Lewin, a dietitian and sports nutritionist, people take this drink when:

• People need to gain more muscles for body development especially for young adults and teenagers.
• People start their vegan lifestyle and try to reduce protein sources from animal products like meat, fish, and chicken.
• Sports athletes try to recover quickly from injury or muscle pains.
• Working out with ample time or leveling up the workout program that 1. needs more muscle activity.

How to use tea with protein powder

You would know if you lack proteins if you feel fatigued, unable to do proper strenuous physical activities such as lifting weights, and slow to recover from injuries. So, look at these easy steps on how to take it effectively!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 scoop of your desired type of protein powder
• a full cup of hot water
• Chai or Green tea
• a pinch of cinnamon powder

Directions:

1. Prepare your cup with hot water.
2. Gradually pour into the cup the protein powder.
3. Brew your tea as you normally would.
4. Sprinkle some cinnamon according to your taste.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Risks of protein powders

According to Harvard Medical School, these are the probable risks of taking it:

1. These supplements are manufactured by different manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) leave it up to them. So, there is no way it ensured a high-quality claim.
2. Long-term effects are yet to be known and have no definite data on possible side effects from a high intake of this supplement.
3. Digestive side effects can occur especially with people who are sensitive and have allergies to dairy products.
4. It may contain a high amount of added sugars and calories refuting to the low-sugar tea that you aim. Some protein powders contain 1,200 calories for a glass while the American Heart Association only recommends 36 grams for men and 24 grams for women per day.
5. Some manufactured powders are said to have toxins found in soil that is naturally absorbed by plants which are heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, lead, mercury, bisphenol-A that is used in making plastics, pesticides, and other contaminants that links to cancer and other serious medical health conditions.

Medical supervision should always be followed before taking any supplements. If unusual effects happen after drinking it like lack in appetite or difficulty eating and wounds that are not healing well, always consult your doctor.