This is the worst protein in the world, according to a nutritionist specialising in weight loss

 Protein is an essential nutrient that has gained more prominence in recent times for its many healthy benefits, especially for muscle health. While there are many food sources and supplements that provide protein, not all of them should be trusted blindly. Some may do more harm than good.

Eric Berg, a chiropractor and nutrition expert who has a huge following on YouTube, shared in his recent Instagram post the worst protein in the world. “It is often marketed as healthy, but it’s actually not. Sometimes, what you’re led to believe is good for you can be the complete opposite.”

The most dangerous protein

Dr Berg shared that the textured vegetable protein, made from the “vegetable” known as soy, is marketed as a healthy alternative to the animal protein, but that is not the case.

Facts about soy protein

Eric Berg shared frightening facts about soy protein. He explained that defatted soy flour is made by removing the natural fat from soybeans using hexane, a chemical also found in gasoline.

Soy is a highly processed protein that is created during the production of soybean oil. It may contain small amounts of heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead.

“It’s thermo-mechanically restructured, which means high temperatures and machinery are used to restructure the product so that it mimics the texture of meal,” he added. Additionally, it also contains sodium hydroxide, which changes the pH, chemically altering the protein. There’s also the presence of hydrogen peroxide and titanium dioxide, which are used as bleaching agents.

Soy also comes in sponge-like chunks that are made to replace meat. These are rehydrated before cooking and are often prepared with added seed oil. “Artificial flavour and colour are added to mimic the taste and appearance of meat,” he explained. Moreover, the protein is dried at around 347 degrees Fahrenheit, so by the time you cook it, it’s been heated twice.

What makes it dangerous?

It’s the processing element that makes it devoid of nutrients. Additionally, residual hexane and other harmful chemicals can also be present in the final product.

However, not many know the true picture, as soy is often marketed as heart-healthy, even though it is nothing when compared to real animal proteins, which are packed with essential nutrients like iron and zinc.

Source: Moneycontrol