PROTEIN powder is a popular nutritional supplement among athletes. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue, and make enzymes and hormones. However, excessive protein intake can cause dehydration, digestive upset, kidney damage and bone damage. Chia seed is another superfood that is full of essential fats, protein and fibre, moreover loaded with antioxidants. However due to its high fibre content, when eaten in excess there is the potential for chia seeds to cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and/or constipation and diarrhea. Legumes are all forms of beans and peas, they’re low in fat and high in fibre, and a good source of plant-based iron, potassium, minerals, folate and many B vitamins. However, due to phytic acid in them, it will interfere with the absorption of nutrients and may produce food intolerance-type reactions in sensitive individuals and can inhibit the absorption of iron, zinc and calcium.” To avoid this, it’s important to soak and cook legumes well, as this makes them easier to digest and helps to deactivate the potentially harmful compounds.
