Does Heat 'Damage' Protein? #QoW

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Does Heat ‘Damage’ Protein?

We all love protein pancakes or porridge - but does heat damage protein? This is a question that gets asked often due to a little word that is often misconstrued: ‘denature’.

When protein is heated, it can ‘denature’- this means the protein molecules unfold or break apart. This is what your body does to protein anyway, breaking down the amino acids and digesting protein. Much like when you cook meat, the protein you gain is not altered by cooking. Your body will absorb the amino acids just like it would in shake form (although not as quickly).

A key point to remember when cooking with protein is not to just add it in and hope for the best. The ratio of other ingredients should be altered to allow for that extra item. We’ve got lots of yummy recipes you can incorporate your protein powder into – check them out here.