Everything you need to know about: Protein lemonade. Deliciously refreshing or an e-number bomb?

Protein lemonade is a relatively new phenomenon in the world of sports and health nutrition. This refreshing drink claims to combine the benefits of a protein shake with the thirst-quenching properties of lemonade. But is it really as healthy as it sounds? In this blog we will delve deeper into what protein lemonade is, the pros and cons, the e-numbers it contains and why it might not be the best choice for your health.

What is protein lemonade?

Protein lemonade, also known as protein lemonade, is a drink that contains protein in a refreshing, often fruity, lemonade form. It was designed as an alternative to the traditional protein shake, which is often experienced as heavy and difficult to digest. Protein lemonade offers a lighter option, ideal for after a workout or as a snack.

Benefits of Protein Lemonade

Protein lemonade has several attractive benefits:

1. Refreshing and light : Unlike thicker protein shakes, protein lemonade is easy to drink and thirst-quenching.
2. Easily Digestible : Many people find it easier to digest than traditional protein powders.
3. Handy for on the go : The ready-to-use bottles are handy to take with you and drink immediately after training.

 

Disadvantages of protein lemonade

Although protein lemonade sounds appealing, there are some drawbacks:

1. Unnatural Ingredients : Many protein sodas contain artificial additives and sweeteners like sucralose.
2. E-numbers : These drinks are often full of E-numbers, which are chemical additives that improve shelf life and taste, but are not always good for your health.

E-numbers in protein lemonade and their meaning

E-numbers are additives used to preserve, color or improve the taste of food products. Some common E-numbers in protein lemonade are:

• E951 (Aspartame), E950 (Acesulfame K) : Artificial sweeteners that have been linked to various health problems. Can disrupt intestinal flora. It has been known for some time that the synthetic sweeteners Aspartame (E951) and Acesulfame-K (E950), especially at higher intakes, can be harmful to health. The French Nutri-Santé study recently showed that these higher intakes are associated with a 13% higher risk of cancer.
• E202 (Potassium sorbate) : A preservative that may cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Acidity regulators: E330 (Citric acid), E322 (Sunflower lecithin): Used as an acidity regulator and preservative, but can be harmful to teeth in high doses.
• Colorants E160a (beta-carotene) E162 (Beetroot powder): Colorants 'fool' your body. It increases your blood sugar level, making your body think it is getting sugars, while this is not the case. It can therefore cause you to get hungry sooner or experience energy dips.

• Defoamers E1400 maltodextrin, Polydimethylsiloxane E900 and Silicon dioxide E551: Have a high glycemic index, highly processed and fall into the category of refined carbohydrates. Possible disruption of the intestinal flora. It suppresses the formation of intestinal gas, flatulence. Imported products containing this substance are often contaminated with formaldehyde. This can cause a hypersensitivity reaction.

 

Is protein lemonade healthy?

Although protein lemonade seems like a healthy choice because of its protein content, it is often not as healthy as one thinks. The presence of artificial sweeteners and e-numbers can have negative effects on health. In addition, these additives can cause digestive problems and have other side effects.

 

Popular Protein Lemonade Brands and What's Actually in Them

There are several brands offering protein lemonade, each with their own unique formulations:

Orangefit Clear protein:

Acidity regulators: Citric acid: E330 and Malic acid: E296

Emulsifier : Sunflower lecithin: E322

Sweetener: Steviol glycosides from stevia: E960

Colorant : β-carotene: E160a

ESN Clear Whey :

Acidity regulators : Citric acid: E330

Sweetener: Sucralose: E955 and Acesulfame K: E950

Colorant: Carotenes (β-carotene): E160a

Bulk Powders Clear Whey Isolate :

Sweetener: Sucralose: E955

Antifoam agents: Polydimethylsiloxane: E900 and Silicon dioxide: E551

Acidity regulators:       Citric acid: E330

Colorant:                      Beetroot red: E162

Faunus Nutrition Protein vs. Protein Lemonade

Faunus Nutrition offers an alternative to commercial protein sodas. Their fermented and organic protein is free of artificial additives and e-numbers. Moreover, this protein is easily digestible and does not cause digestive problems, which is often the case with other protein shakes. The product of Faunus Nutrition can also be used in many ways in smoothies, recipes and more, without having to worry about unnatural ingredients.

How do you make your own protein lemonade?

Want to enjoy a refreshing protein lemonade without the drawbacks? Make your own version at home:

• Ingredients :
• 1 scoop natural protein powder (preferably from Faunus Nutrition)
• 500 ml water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or agave (natural sweetener)
• Ice cubes
  
  
• Preparation method :

1. Mix the protein powder with the water in a shaker.
2. Add the lemon juice and honey, and shake well.
3. Serve with ice cubes for a refreshing drink.

 

Conclusion

Although protein lemonade seems like an appealing and refreshing option, it is important to be aware of the disadvantages. The artificial sweeteners, e-numbers and preservatives can be harmful to your health. A healthier alternative is the fermented and organic protein from Faunus Nutrition, which is free from unnatural additives and is easy to digest. For a truly healthy protein drink, it is best to make a natural version yourself. Choose consciously and go for health over convenience.