Protein powders are nutritional supplements which help in managing body weight, for muscle growth and repair, overall health and immunity.
Each of the ingredients used in the protein powder has their own benefits. Continue reading below if you wish to get to know more about their benefits:
Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation and protect the body against diseases. It can help curb hunger and can promote weight loss. Pumpkin contains tryptophan (an amino acid) that can promote your well-being and mental health. These seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can improve cardiovascular health and decrease oxidative stress, in turn contributing to the balancing of the insulin levels of the body.
Flax seeds: Flax seeds are rich in potassium and can help reduce blood pressure and protect heart health. It helps increase the oxygen flow to the brain and relieves the body of stress. These seeds contain high amounts of vitamin A, which is good for eye heath. Flax seeds can help people suffering from acidity and constipation and strengthen one’s immune system.
Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E which is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is rich in antioxidants which can help combat free radical damage. Consuming a moderate amount of these seeds can help you stay satiated for a longer time as it is rich in dietary fibre and can aid digestion and can curb excessive hunger pangs, by promoting a feeling of fullness in the stomach. Sunflower seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, as it contains plant compounds like flavonoids which can help reduce inflammation. Sunflower seeds can help decrease the levels of LDL (low-density lipoproteins) or “bad cholesterol” in the blood as it contains vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid. It can also protect heart health, lower diabetes, boost brain functioning and treat anemia.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds absorb large amounts of water (even up to 12 times their weight), as they are soluble fibres. The fibres in chia seeds help in the slow absorption of food, keeping you full for a longer time, in turn making a person consume lesser food and gain lesser calories. Fibre helps one to have good digestion and good bowel movements. Chia seeds contain antioxidants which are helpful for age-related wrinkles and its anti-inflammatory properties help treat acne. Chia seeds also have omega-3s, which keep the skin hydrated at all times. It also helps lower one’s blood pressure and triglycerides (the most common type of fat in one’s body). The intake of chia seeds can help maintain the insulin levels of the body and stabilizes the blood sugar levels especially after meals. READ MORE – Skinny Recipes: 6 Drinks That Can Help You Get Rid of Belly Fat
Oats: Oats are one of the healthiest grains as they are free from gluten (a mixture of two proteins) and have many beneficial properties like aiding weight loss, lowering of blood sugar, protection of heart health. Oats is rich in antioxidants (especially high in a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides), vitamins, minerals, fibres and polyphenols (beneficial plant compounds). Consuming oats can help in lowering cholesterol levels and improve and control blood sugar levels in the body.
You can buy these protein powders off the counter or even make it at home. Here’s an easy recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup Flax seeds
- ½ cup oats
Method:
In a heating pan, dry roast the seeds separately and set aside. Lastly, lightly dry roast the oats and set it aside. Let these ingredients cool down and then combine all these ingredients in a mixer blender and grind it into a fine powder. Sieve this powder, so that any small unground bits or particles can be removed. The protein powder is ready to be consumed. Store this protein powder in an airtight container. READ MORE – ALOE VERA HAIR GROWTH POWDER
To consume: In hot or warm milk or smoothie or juice, add in one tablespoon of protein powder, give it stir and consume.
You can also add in a tablespoon to your morning cereal.