New research suggests that drinking protein shakes may do more harm than good, leading to weight gain, mood changes and even shortening life expectancy. Researchers at the University of Sydney found that the same amino acids in protein shakes that encourage muscle-bulking are bad for overall health. Scientists discovered that consuming too much of the same kind of protein contributes to poorer overall health.
Protein is an important basic unit that builds bones, muscles blood and more. And over-consumption of protein in any form is not really part of an ideal diet. Over-consumption of protein powders, shakes and supplements may even be dangerous. The pre-mixed drinks or powders rely on proteins called branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Consuming a diet high in them means they lurk around in the blood. There, they compete with another type of amino acid, tryptophan. Both are trying to get to the brain. But once they are there, they have different effects. Namely, tryptophan is key to the production of serotonin which staves off depression.
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