Raw Protein Shake Ingredients

Raw Protein Shake Ingredients
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Raw, or fresh, food has not been cooked and is commonly associated with health foods. Adding raw health foods to different foods or meals can improve the overall flavor and nutritional flavor. For example, adding raw ingredients such as raw fruits or nuts to a protein shake can provide various vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to the lean protein.

Fruits

Fresh fruit is a common ingredient in protein shakes for flavor, carbohydrates and nutrients. You can use a variety of fresh fruits to make personalized protein shake creations. The most common raw fruits include bananas, blueberries and strawberries, but you can also add fruits such as cherries, tangerines, kiwi or peaches. A sample protein shake using raw fruit calls for one scoop of vanilla protein powder, one scoop of ice, one can of pineapple juice and one handful of mixed berries blended together, notes Bodybuilding.com.

Eggs

Raw eggs are a classic ingredient used in protein shakes by bodybuilders or athletes who want to increase muscle mass. Using raw eggs, however, raises a concern over salmonella and cholesterol. If you want to reduce or eliminate the cholesterol, consider using egg whites or cholesterol-free egg substitutes. Add the raw eggs to the protein shake after the other ingredients have been blended and drink the shake within 30 minutes. A sample raw egg protein shake recipe calls for one raw egg, one scoop of chocolate protein powder, two tablespoons of peanut butter, 12 ounces of milk and one cup of ice.

Nuts

Adding one to two ounces of raw nuts to your protein shake will increase the number of calories but will also provide numerous health benefits. Raw nuts such as almonds and walnuts contain significant amounts of monounsaturated fats that are considered part of a balanced diet and beneficial for a healthy cardiovascular system, according to MayoClinic.com. The nuts also contain various vitamins and minerals such as magnesium that support healthy body functions. A sample protein shake recipe with raw nuts calls for 12 ounces of water, 15 raw almonds, one scoop of protein powder and five ice cubes blended together.

Honey

Raw honey is a natural source of carbohydrates that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the body for energy production. With about 70 to 80 percent of honey being sugar, the remaining parts consist of water, minerals and proteins. Adding the raw honey to your protein shake can provide an essential carbohydrate source along with additional minerals and nutrients. A sample protein shake recipe with raw honey calls for one scoop of strawberry protein powder, one banana, one cup of berries, one teaspoon of honey and one cup of fruit juice.

References

Article reviewed by demand12324 Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments