Protein Archives

January 15, 2023 By Anushree Ashtekar Leave a Comment

Why You Shouldn’t Throw Away The Egg Yolk

Eggs are the easiest and fastest to cook. Not to mention, they’re one of the most favorite meals! Almost all of us savor eggs in various preparations such as an omelette, boiled eggs, poached eggs, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, egg curry, egg sandwich, and many more.

Eggs basically have three parts- the outer shell, the inner 2 parts, namely the white albumin and the yolk. Among these three, the outer shell is what we discard and the inner white and yolk is what we consume. But, many of us are still not open to consuming egg yolks. We believe that it is very high in fat and cholesterol and hence, bad for health. But, what we fail to understand is, its immense nutritional power.

Egg Yolk versus Egg Whites

Nutrient	White	Yolk	% Total in White	% Total in Yolk
Protein	3.6 g	2.7g	57%	43%
Fat	0.05g	4.5g	1%	99%
Calcium	2.3 mg	21.9 mg	9.5%	90.5%
Magnesium	3.6 mg	0.85 mg	80.8%	19.2%
Iron	0.03 mg	0.4 mg	6.2%	93.8%
Phosphorus	5 mg	66.3 mg	7%	93%
Potassium	53.8 mg	18.5 mg	74.4%	25.6%
Sodium	54.8 mg	8.2 mg	87%	13%
Zinc	0.01 mg	0.4 mg	0.2%	99.8%
Copper	0.008 mg	0.013 mg	38%	62%
Manganese	0.004 mg	0.009 mg	30.8%	69.2%
Selenium	6.6 mcg	9.5 mcg	41%	59%
Thiamin	0.01 mg	0.03 mg	3.2%	96.8%
Riboflavin	0.145 mg	0.09 mg	61.7%	48.3%
Niacin	0.035 mg	0.004 mg	89.7%	9.3%
Pantothenicacid	0.63 mg	0.51 mg	11%	89%
B6	0.002 mg	0.059 mg	3.3%	96.7%
Folate	1.3 mcg	24.8 mcg	5%	95%
B12	0.03 mcg	0.331 mcg	8.3%	91.7%
Vitamin A	0 IU	245 IU	0%	100%
Vitamin E	0 mg	0.684 mg	0%	100%
Vitamin D	0 IU	18.3 IU	0%	100%
Vitamin K	0 IU	0.119 IU	0%	100%
DHA and AA	0	94 mg	0%	100%
Carotenoids	0 mcg	21 mcg	0%	100%

Nutritional Benefits Of The Egg Yolk

From the above table, it is evident that the egg yolk has higher amount of nutrients compared to the egg white. Egg yolks contain vitamins like A, D, E, K, B6, Folate, B12. Among these, vitamins A, D, E, K are found only in egg yolks and not in egg whites. Egg yolks are among those very few foods that naturally contain good vitamin D content.

Egg yolks have good amount of carotenoids; lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids are colourful pigments that give the egg yolk its yellow colour. These carotenoids are known to act as antioxidants that protect different parts of the eyes from free radicals, thus preventing age-related macular degeneration to set in.

Egg yolks and egg whites, respectively, contain 13 types of minerals. These minerals include calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium and selenium. The proportion of all these minerals is more in the egg yolks compared to the egg whites.

Nutrients in egg yolks, such as Choline, help in regulating cardiovascular function. Now, coming to the most dreaded feature of the egg yolk-fats and cholesterol! But, it’s not at all as bad as we think.

Egg yolks contain what we call as Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) in the form of DHA and Arachidonic acid. Omega 3 fatty acids like DHA are required in the body for the proper functioning of the brain and retina of the eyes. Omega 6 fatty acids like Arachidonic acid, are needed for healthy skin, hair, libido, reproduction, growth and response to injury. These Essential fats are also needed in the body for protecting the functioning of the nervous system.

The Cholesterol Issue

We confuse dietary cholesterol with cholesterol in the blood stream. In fact, high levels of LDL (the major carrier of cholesterol), can be the cause of certain heart diseases. Bottom line is that it is perfectly safe to have your favorite egg yolks without thinking about suffering a heart attack. It is found that, low-carbohydrate diet filled with saturated fats is actually more responsible for increasing blood cholesterol and causing cardiovascular problems. But, yes. Egg yolks are high on fats and cholesterol so, they are better had in a limit in daily diet. 1-2 whole eggs per day are the safe limit to have eggs on a daily basis, without worrying about heart diseases.

We hope that this article on egg yolks helps you enjoy your eggs whole, and any way you like it. For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads. For further clarity or information, you can speak to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce

May 27, 2022 By Luke Coutinho 16 Comments

Sattu: Your Natural, Inexpensive, High Quality Protein Drink

There has never been a single talk session that I have done and left without learning something new from the state, country or participants. On a trip to Kolkata, I learnt about this amazing drink made of roasted gram flour or what is popularly called in Northern India as “Sattu”. One of the participants in my session enlightened me about a drink made from ‘Sattu’ that the locals drink, that keeps them high on energy and healthy through the hot summer months.

I learnt of the health benefits of this drink that has been famous to states in the North of India for generations and used as a natural cure for several diseases as well as a high value, nutrient dense staple food. I picked up several packets of Sattu to bring back with me. What got my interest levels up were the keywords – Protein, Calcium, Fiber, Iron and Magnesium. Sattu has it all.

For many of you who don’t know me, I have the reputation of ripping a product apart, studying and researching on it in detail, testing it in labs for authenticity and nutritional values and then sharing it with everyone I can after using it myself.

‘Sattu’ is your equivalent to a ‘WHEY PROTEIN SHAKE’. Made of roasted gram flour, this composition is one of the highest sources of vegetarian protein and a quality that is most easily absorbed by the body.

60 grams (4 tbsp) of this roasted flour will give you 19.7 grams of high quality protein along with –
Calcium and magnesium (a fantastic combination as magnesium helps calcium get better absorbed into the body). This makes it excellent for bone health and prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Super healthy for growing children and adults!

Iron: (Iron deficiency is a leading problem and can cause severe health issues.Taking iron supplements can sometimes be too toxic to the liver and cause constipation) Natural iron is best.

Fiber: Excellent source of fiber. All of us know that fiber cleans out the colon and stomach, prevents and cures constipation and aids fat loss and energy levels.

Most of you will be thinking that ‘ Sattu’ will cause a lot of gas just like channa (garbanzo beans/chickpeas) do, in fact it’s just the opposite. Ayurveda states that in this form (sattu) people with gas will be relieved.

It aids fat and weight loss, it’s excellent for strong sexual health and is a natural colon cleanser.

For elderly people, sick people, bed ridden people, people recovering from serious diseases or surgery, sattu or roasted gram flour will build their strength and muscle mass rapidly.

I was not surprised, just overwhelmed, as once again I discover that nature has provided it all to us.We just fail to discover because we got caught up in the trap of marketing and media.

Sattu Can Be Your New Protein Shake

This is my new protein shake or better still, health drink. 4 tbsp with water OR chaas (buttermilk) sometimes I add pepper, sometimes, roasted cumin (jeera) and sometimes cinnamon. 20 grams of protein. I have one in the morning and one post work out, sometimes even another one as a mid-evening snack, because this glass of ‘Sattu’ fills you up and provides you more than sufficient protein.

You feel lighter, more toned, less bloated (some whey proteins cause temporary bloating) and you know what’s in your glass, unlike the numerous ingredients that you may not even understand on the jar of a whey protein. The person at the stall also said you can add jaggery to make it sweet. It’s an excellent summer drink, extremely cooling for the body.

It is Surprisingly Inexpensive

When compared to the amount you will pay for Whey Protein, Sattu is a much cheaper and effective alternative. In fact, you can get Sattu from the GOQii Health Store within the app for a discount using GOQii Cash. Putting the cost aside, what’s more important is that I know the quality of protein and what’s going into my glass. If you blend it, it’s better as it may tend to form lumps if not stirred well. Add some lemon to it and you can’t go wrong.

So make the change today and spread the word. The aim is to move from processed to natural! We hope this article helps you. Do share your thoughts in the comments below. For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce

February 20, 2022 By Urvi Gohil 1 Comment

Healthy Eating: Homemade Protein Bars

Want to stock up on your winter protein supply? We’ve got you covered with these simple, healthy, no bake, sugar-free homemade protein bars. You can make these protein bars using ingredients available in your kitchen. It is quick and quite suited for winters!

What You Will Need

Dates – 1 cup
Hot water – 1 cup
Almonds – ½ cup
Cashews – ½ cup
Walnuts – ½ cup
Pistachio – ½ cup
Rolled oats – ¼ cup
Desiccated coconut – ½ cup
Flax seeds – 1 tbsp
Pumpkin seeds – 1 tbsp
Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp
Cardamom powder – 1 tsp
Cinnamon powder – 1 tsp
Jaggery powder – 2 tbsp

How To Prepare

In a bowl, add the dates and hot water and soak the dates for 1-2 hours until it softens. Once soft, remove the seeds and blend it in a mixture to a fine, smooth paste.
Heat a pan and add almonds, cashews, pistachio, walnuts, oats, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. Dry roast this for 5-7 minutes until they turn crisp and slight golden.
Time to add the desiccated coconut in the pan and sauté just for 1-2 minutes and remove all the contents in a bowl.
In the same pan, add the dates paste and allow it to cook for 5 minutes until the paste thickens and loses some moisture.
Now add the roasted nuts and seeds mixture to the dates paste and season it with cardamom powder, cinnamon powder & also add the jaggery powder. Mix it well until everything comes together.
Grease a mithai tray or plate with some ghee/ oil and spread the mixture uniformly. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until it sets completely and using a knife, cut it into bars and enjoy!

Highlights Of The Homemade Protein Bars

Power packed with energy, micronutrients, minerals, fiber and healthy fats.
A perfect guilt free, sugar free, preservative free alternative to granola bars and energy bars.
A great way to start the day in winter, it is filling and keeps your sweet cravings away.
Works as a perfect post workout snack.

We hope you enjoy this Protein Bars recipe. Do try it out and leave your feedback in the comments below. For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

Eat healthy and #BeTheForce

March 20, 2020 By Richa Sanghvi 2 Comments

What You Should Eat After a Workout

workout With the recent self-quarantine due to the coronavirus in full effect, most of us have been working out at home. We understand that exercise is important to keep ourselves fit, healthy and build immunity but one thing that we need to watch out for is what we eat after a workout. Eating the right food post workout is important for several reasons.

When you exercise your muscles use glycogen as a fuel to provide you optimum energy. This results in partial depletion of glycogen from your muscles. Some of the proteins in your muscles also get broken down and depleted, especially when you do strength training. After you workout, your muscles try to replenish these stores within 30-45 minutes of workout. That is the reason why you should eat after a workout so that muscle recovery happens quicker and less wear and tear of muscles occur. This ultimately leads to muscle growth, which is our main goal.

The Right Nutrition

Not only eating but also eating the right food is important. Proteins, as discussed above, get depleted. Thereby, eating the right amount of protein (0.3-05 gm/kg body weight) just after workout gives your body the amino acids required for muscle recovery and growth.

Glycogen is used as a fuel by body therefore eating carbohydrates (1.1 – 1.5 gm/kg body weight) within 30 minutes of workout helps in glycogen re-synthesis. A combination of both carbs and proteins helps in maximizing protein and glycogen synthesis.

Don’t shy away from including some fat in your meal as well. A little bit of it will not harm your recovery. In fact, fat is required by your body to absorb all the fat soluble vitamins.

Last but not the least, you should keep yourself hydrated always. As drinking enough water will help in better recovery and next day’s performance.

What Should You Eat After a Workout?

Brown bread and Peanut butter
Egg whites and toast
Chocolate milkshake (Avoid sugar if you are aiming at weight loss)
Chicken, brown rice and veggies
Quinoa with plenty of veggies or like a salad
Sweet potato
Cornflakes and milk
Banana milkshake
Fruit smoothie – Fruit of your favourite choice + Yogurt
Salad containing seeds like chia, sunflower and flax seeds

Don’t let social isolation or self-quarantine hamper your routine! Try these foods after a good home workout to strengthen your body and your immunity. If you need guidance for home workouts or more tips to build your immunity, tune in to LIVE classes on GOQii Play.

Let’s get stronger and #BeTheForce against COVID-19 together.