All hail Jake Gyllenhaal’s six-pack. Alas, a finer specimen of rectus abdominis muscles eludes the most fearsome gym-goer. But what secrets lie behind conquering these ripped muscular physiques, and are they as healthy on the inside as they appear on the outside?
Peel the plaster off the surface of most shredded torsos bouncing down the high street, and you will uncover a world full of muscle-expanding protein bulkers being taken on training days. A plethora of protein bars, shakes and powders litter the internet, all aimed at creating the leanest of human specimens.
But, with sugar levels almost the same as a Creme Egg, protein supplements are leaving a wake of painful, rotting teeth in the mouths of health-seeking gym-goers.
Some protein powders have up to 23g of sugar per scoop, while protein bars can be overdosed with 29g of sugar — a can of Coke wears the badge of 36g of sugar, astonishingly not so far off some protein products.
More protein means that you sweat more and produce less saliva. Desert-dry mouths with claggy tongues allow sticky proteins to bind to teeth, leaving the teeth riddled with fast-growing holes racing like a bullet train towards abscess formation and breaking apart.
Diet tracking apps are all the rage and allow people to discover how much carbohydrate, protein, fat and sugar is in a meal. The levels of the different elements are adjusted depending on what body shape is being aimed for, and the number of calories is worked out to a tee.
However, just sticking to calorie counting, although it may lead to a leaner frame, the constant protein sugar bombing impacts how each microscopic body cells communicate with one another and creates a destructive environment for both oral and other diseases to develop.
Moreover, too much of a good thing in relation to protein means that the kidneys and liver can start malfunctioning, and the risk of cancer and heart disease rises.
If you want to avoid the white stuff, check out the different protein brand labels, as some have a significantly lower sugar content than others.
Additionally, when you do take protein supplements, try rinsing with water to wash away the sticky proteins from your teeth, and always keep rehydrated with plain water.
