A sinister new menace is here that could harm your health.
Is it an addictive new street drug or a toxic chemical?
No, it’s errr *checks notes*…protein and coffee?
Blending flavoured protein powder and espresso over ice sounds like a delicious way to increase your protein intake and enjoy the myriad benefits of caffeine on a hot summer’s day, right?
WRONG!
This terrifying new TikTok ‘proffee’ trend could be harmful to your health, according to a recent Daily Mail article.
So step away from the whey and add protein coffee to the danger list alongside *checks notes again* broccoli, eggs, fibre, fruit and potatoes (yes, really).
The thrust of the article is that too much coffee could affect your heart rate, cause arrhythmias and lead to dehydration, while excess protein consumption could cause excess protein consumption, and lead to discomfort and indigestion.
Firstly, it’s literally just protein, coffee and frozen water – things humans have been consuming for a while now quite happily thanks, Daily Mail.
Cappuccino and morning eggs? Fine
Jug of filter coffee after your Sunday roast dinner? No probs
Cup of iced protein coffee before your workout? YOU NEED TO BE STOPPED YOU ABSOLUTE LUNATIC. DO YOU WANT TO DIE A SLOW, PAINFUL DEATH BEFORE YOU REACH 21???
Secondly, coffee can impart multiple benefits (as the newspaper points out) for health as well as mental and physical performance. However, any caffeinated beverage consumed to excess can be problematic…not just ‘proffee’.
A general safe consumption guideline is 400mg of caffeine per day…although if you are hypersensitive to caffeine, maybe stick to 100mg or even decaffeinated options. Definitely avoid caffeine after 4pm to stop any negative effects on your sleep.
While the vast majority of sensible people who care about their health will consume in moderation, some people will still carry on drinking 15 cups a day…and natural selection will inevitably take its course.
Thirdly, excess protein shouldn’t be a problem for most people who exercise and have functioning kidneys. In fact, most people probably consume too little protein. Research shows high protein intakes up to 3.3g per kg of bodyweight have no effect on blood lipids, or markers of renal and hepatic function.
For the best caffeinated high-protein shake recipe look no further.
So the TLDR version:
- Protein coffee can be part of a balanced and healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation.
- It can help increase your protein intake if you struggle to hit your protein target through food alone – especially if you train with weights where your body’s protein demand is higher.
- Coffee is shown to have many health and performance benefits for the majority of people when consumed in moderation – avoid ‘mega doses’ and keep daily consumption within the safe upper limit of 400mg.
- Be mindful of your daily caffeine consumption, especially in the afternoon and evening before bed where it can compromise sleep quality.
- It will not magically help you lose weight. Be mindful of the calorie content, especially if adding extras like milk. But caffeine can help suppress appetite, protein is satiating, so it can help support weight loss goals.
There, fixed it. You’re welcome Daily Mail.
P.S. Try our delicious premium Ultimate Performance Whey protein the next time you make your protein coffee…
