I quite often see recipes that have you add protein powder into the food before or while it is cooking (protein muffins, oatmeal, etc.).
But did you know that whey protein can be denatured by heat? Denature means to cause the tertiary structure of a protein to unfold, as with heat, alkali, or acid, so that some of its original properties, especially its biological activity, are diminished or eliminated. What this means is that you aren’t getting the protein you think you are getting. When heated, the protein molecules will denature changing their structure and electrical charge – thus losing their original benefits. According to most resources, whey protein should not be heated above lukewarm.
The other night when I was at dinner with Michelle and Eddy from Next Generation, Eddy was telling us about their new RTD’s (Ready To Drinks) that have the protein in the lid and the liquid in the bottom of the container and I can’t wait for these to hit the shelves (which they have done in some stores). In fact Michelle has tried one already and her verdict was “DELICIOUS!!” When you have finished your workout, you activate the lid, which will drop the protein powder into the liquid, shake and drink. The reason these types of protein drinks are better than the ones that come in the cardboard cartons, is because the manufacturers usually heat the protein to get them into the cartons. Again… denatured protein, and the very reason why Next Generation have chosen to keep the dry whey protein separate until just before you consume it.
So I have learned two important things when it comes to nutrition lately. That dairy destroys the antioxidant properties of blueberries so you should never mix the two together, and heating whey protein above lukewarm denatures the protein. If I were to cook with protein, then I would need to use an alternative protein powder to whey, such as soy. But then there is a whole other post about how soy products cause excess estrogen. So many rules to remember… no wonder we’re all confused!! LOL!!
Have a great day… train hard and eat well!!
Love Rae xxx
“You learn something every day if you pay attention.”
~Ray LeBlond
7 Users Responded In This Article
AWESOME reading – interesting stuff – the Next Gen drink sounds super! hmmm I’m turning in to a Next Gen FAN!! x
You’re welcome Raechelle… I thought it was interesting when I found out too!!
Oh sanx Fernie!! And I don’t blame you for becoming a Next Gen fan… what’s not to love!! Didn’t take me long to become a convert… LOL!! Have you tasted the protein yet? xxx
Hi Rae,
Love your website! thanks for forwarding my email to jade, I spoke with her and it was very helpful,
Actually Rae if you look into it you will discover that ALL protein is denatured when heated, not just whey…..hence one reason I am a raw vegan 
Hope you have a fantastic weekend!!!
Ali xx
Hi Ali, and you are most welcome. I’m glad Jade was able to help you out with all that information. I will definitely do some more research into all protein being denatured, but I don’t think I could be raw vegan… too limiting in choices!! I take my hat off to you girl xxx
far from limited in choices Rae 
honestly there is SO much variety and choice, it is endless… but I won’t preach hehehe
Really??? That’s not like you Matt…LOL!!
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Guess I’ll just have to rely on egg whites in my muffins and zucchini bread!
Thanks for the info!