Hi everyone, Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist, here with Z Natural Foods. Before we get started on today's video, I need to give you our medical disclaimer. The information you are about to receive is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, prescribe, or diagnose any specific or general medical condition and should not be used as a substitute for your primary healthcare provider's diagnosis, treatment plan, or medical information. With that said, if you want more information about me, you can also check out my YouTube channel, "A Master Herbalist's Perspective." But for now, let's move on to today's video. Today, we're going to answer the question, "What does undenatured protein mean?" Well, to correctly answer this question, it's vital to understand what is first meant by denatured protein. Denatured protein is the alteration in the folding patterns of protein by heat or chemical reaction from its original formation. Protein function depends on its structure and shape, and heat causes proteins to vibrate and weaken the bonds that hold their complex shape. When a protein has become denatured, it is no longer considered functional in the same elaborate manner. In simple terms, undenatured proteins are pure, properly functioning proteins without any structural deformation, intact with all bioavailable nutrients and constituents. It is essential to note that we don't tend to use the term "unprocessed" to define an undenatured protein because everything goes through some processing to create an end product. For example, whey protein isolate undergoes a precise filtration process that removes lactose and produces an end product yielding a higher amount of protein per serving with fewer fats and carbohydrates. Because no chemicals and heat were used in this process, the protein bonds were not weakened, so whey protein isolate, in this case, is considered an undenatured protein. Is undenatured protein good for you? When you look at an undenatured protein from a bird's eye view, it's easy to say that any undenatured protein will be better for you than one that has been denatured. But here at Z Natural Foods, we believe there is more to this question than what meets the eye, and it depends on many other factors. Yes, undenatured protein is the purest form, containing all bioactive compounds as nature intended. Undenatured whey protein has a wide range of components like beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins, and lactoferrins. This is generally a much better choice, again from a bird's eye view, for all intended purposes. A protein that has become denatured, so through cooking with heat or some other process, is not necessarily bad because, in reality, we eat these forms of protein all the time. For example, a hard-boiled egg is considered a form of denatured protein. The heat used to make a hard-boiled egg changed its structural integrity, but it still has excellent nutritional value and all the amino acids to create a complete protein. Another example is when we cook meat on the grill or microwave our food. These are both considered forms of heat cooking processes that change the protein's structural integrity, yet it does not change the value of being a complete protein. Athletes worldwide who prepare meals ahead of time will often use microwaves to reheat the food. I have a question for you: Do any of those athletes look like they're malnourished or lacking quality protein? I don't think so. What happens when whey protein is denatured? When whey protein becomes denatured, it tends to lose nutrients and compounds that make undenatured whey protein a fantastic food. But understand that undenatured whey is much more than just a protein. It is highly nourishing and provides the body with essential compounds to support and restore well-being. Proteins are complex three-dimensional structures built out of amino acids. The primary cause of why whey protein becomes denatured again is exposure to heat or chemicals that create an unstable protein structure through a process known as unfolding. There are various degrees of process, and your body naturally unfolds proteins through the natural digestive process. As discussed in the questions above, denatured protein is not exactly useless. Some products are actually purposely denatured to create a faster-absorbing form of protein, like what is known as partially denatured hydrolyzed whey protein. When should I take my proteins? Well, there are various theories on this topic, and the answer to this question is quite convoluted and depends on several factors. The first is the form of whey or other milk-based proteins being used. For example, whey isolate, whey concentrate, hydrolyzed whey, or just straight casein. The next is your intended goal, muscle gain, weight loss, blood sugar control, or supporting a healthy immune system response. Whey protein isolate is your choice if you want to help with muscle recovery post-workout because it's an isolated form of protein, which yields a higher amount of protein, allowing for faster absorption. While there are mixed opinions on how quickly one should ingest whey protein or any kind of protein post-workout, consuming it within one hour is usually optimum. Adding a carbohydrate source to your shake to replenish glycogen is also advisable if you are someone who is intaking carbohydrates. If you're creating a post-workout drink, then using a high molecular weight carbohydrate with hydrolyzed whey protein will provide the glycogen and amino acids needed for recovery. To support recovery when you're asleep, drinking whey concentrate or casein is a good choice as these will act as a slower, more time-released source to provide the body with the essential nutrients throughout the night. Because you're getting so many essential nutrients and compounds, high-quality protein, and it is also a source of great fat, whey protein concentrate is ideal for supporting a healthy immune system response and recovery. So, guys, I hope that this answered some very simple questions about proteins that are considered denatured versus undenatured and so on and so forth. Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist with Z Natural Foods. See you next time!

Hi everyone, Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist here with Z Natural Foods, and today's video is titled "Chocolate Milk Powder versus Cacao Powder: What's the Difference?" Before we get started, two quick things to mention: First, if you'd like more information about me or you'd like to see more of my content, please go to my YouTube channel, "A Master Herbalist's Perspective." Number two, if you would like to see more of my writings and articles, please go to ZNaturalFoods.com. Finally, our medical disclaimer: The information you're about to receive is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, prescribe, or diagnose any general or specific medical conditions. It is not intended to be a replacement for your primary healthcare provider's diagnosis, treatment plan, and medical information. With that said, let's get started. I have a question for you: Have you ever had a fantastic, amazing, awesome experience of eating pure, unadulterated cacao and savoring the rich, creamy, deliciously smooth texture and, most importantly, that unique, complex, bitter flavor profile? If not, I feel pity for you because not only are you missing out on a spectacular treat, but you are more than likely making the same mistake that most people do, which is to refer to real cacao as cocoa or chocolate. The terms cacao, cocoa, and chocolate are often interchangeably used, giving a terribly false impression that they are all the same. But would it surprise you to learn that only one food can be called cacao? And most of what you see on the market is just a sweeter, indulgent variation created from this authentic food. In the end, they're all just horrible imposters. But to clearly define the difference between chocolate and cacao, it's vital to look at the multitude of products created from cacao. One product I will discuss towards the end of this video is chocolate milk powder. It's also vital to understand their individual nourishing qualities. So let's forget: pure cacao is probably one of nature's most wondrous creations and is seen as one of the most incredible finds. Cacao beans are the most pure, unadulterated form of what everybody knows as untreated organic cacao, which has been used for centuries as a wonderfully nourishing food and is exactly what Hippocrates had in mind when he stated, "Let food be thy medicine." Rich in a multitude of nourishing polyphenolic compounds and incredibly nutritious minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, depending on the quality of your cacao and which analysis you might be looking up on the internet, one tablespoon of cacao, approximately five grams or 5000 milligrams, yields 15 milligrams of calcium, more than 40 milligrams of magnesium, and 120 milligrams of potassium. Some ethnobotanists believe that cacao may be one of the most nutritious foods you can put in your body. The experience of eating nourishing cacao can be attributed to the synergy of all of these unique minerals and compounds found within cacao. But I am only going to discuss three of them because I have a lot of material to cover in this video. The first is caffeine, aka America's great stimulant. Caffeine is the world's most widely used stimulating agent. It is well known that caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, and according to studies, it may also stimulate blood flow in the brain and increase the secretion of serotonin. An average daily dose of approximately 300 milligrams of caffeine has been shown to be a beneficial dose for most, but not all, adults. Approximately 50 grams of cacao contain 35 milligrams of caffeine. However, it's important to understand that this is not the same thing as taking 35 milligrams of a caffeine supplement or what you would find in an energy drink, which is a multitude of isolated synthetic compounds. This 35 milligram is mixed in with all of these incredibly nourishing polyphenolic compounds and highly powerful minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, all of which help to balance the human body's biochemistry. Next is theobromine, the powerful antioxidant known as caffeine's cousin, primarily found in caffeine-based foods like chocolate and tea. In a 150-gram serving of cacao, you might discover as much as 250 milligrams of theobromine. Researchers found that this fantastic compound offers remarkable antioxidant properties and could be considered a safe and natural alternative in supporting a wide range of health ailments. It is one of the lead compounds being studied for possibly developing novel future therapies for a wide range of ailments. The third and final compound I'm going to discuss is PEA, the feel-good chemical. PEA is the actual love compound found in cacao. While PEA is in cacao in only small amounts, it carries a fairly significant effect via nervous system stimulation. PEA may trigger the release of endorphins and potentiate the activity of dopamine associated with sexual arousal and pleasure. So, in other words, that restless feeling you feel when you're in love is primarily due to PEA. But let's not forget that cacao is backed by many human studies. Two areas where that is the case are supporting and nourishing a healthy heart and brain. Studies conducted by researchers at the University of Wrangham showed the positive effect of cacao on the pressure of blood flow to the brain, stating that significant increases in regional perfusion across the brain were observed following the consumption of high-flavanol cacao-based drinks relative to low-flavanol drinks, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex of the brain. It was therefore concluded that these positive results from consuming cacao flavonoids have provided evidence for possibly supporting cognitive performance. Cacao is not just about its compounds; it's also about the fact that it is made up of 50% high-quality, nourishing fats composed of two saturated fatty acids and one monounsaturated fatty acid known as oleic, which is the same fatty acid found in olive oil. The majority of the saturated fatty acids in cacao are palmitic acid and stearic acid. Stearic acid is unusual because it does not elevate serum lipid levels, aka cholesterol, to the same degree as other saturated fatty acids might. Although the lipid content of chocolate is relatively high, 1/3 of the lipids in cacao is stearic acid, which is believed to be non-atherogenic, meaning it does not raise cholesterol levels. Now, at the beginning of this video, I did speak about, and I did mention that we are comparing pure unadulterated cacao to what would be considered your average chocolate milk product out there. To give you some form of reference on the incredible nourishing qualities of cacao, this leads us to this section of the video, which is about the idea that not all chocolate mixes are created equal. This is where Z Natural Foods really won this battle. When searching for a high-quality chocolate milk powder, there are two critical factors to consider. The first is using simple, quality ingredients that lead to a highly nourishing, great-tasting end product. Number two is that nothing extra is added. You may have noticed that many chocolate milk products show a wide range regarding the percentage of cacao solids they contain. Cacao solids are the components of the cacao bean remaining after the cacao butter has been extracted. Cacao solids can range anywhere from a small amount, 30%, all the way up to 100%. But, like your morning cup of joe, the purest form provides the most significant benefits. The more sugar, artificial sweeteners, and refined ingredients you add, the harder your body has to work to derive the benefits of what could be an incredibly nourishing food. In creating a functional food product, nothing is more important than having ingredients in a form that supplies what we call a whole food complex. The whole food complex represents and delivers all nutrients and phytonutrients in their natural synergistic state. This ensures the consumer will get quality nourishment in the most usable form and adaptable to the body. Many chocolate milk products contain unnecessary ingredients, often because the primary components are milk, and in most of those products, not even pure cacao but just low-quality chocolate or chocolate syrups used in those products have such a low overall quality to them. Pure high-quality cacao has a rich and bitter flavor profile, often an acquired flavor to what some would call the untrained palette. But only pure cacao provides you with the highest level of feel-good benefits falsely associated with chocolate products low in these cacao solids. So, it's a very common practice for many companies out there to use low-quality ingredients leading to the addition of all of these other contents within the product, sugar, fortified nutrients, and, most importantly, to support the flavor of what is such a low nutritional overall quality product. Unfortunately, in the end, it becomes an overly processed, low-quality item providing no real nourishing qualities. On the other hand, a product like Z Natural Foods' chocolate milk powder is made with high-quality whole milk powder, a high-quality 100% cacao powder, and just a tiny bit of stevia powder. In conclusion, consuming a pure 100% cacao product is best to get the maximum nourishing benefits from cacao. This is not to say that products that contain 70 to 85% cacao or a chocolate bar mixed with minimal ingredients are necessarily bad. But nothing in the end really compares to using a product either independently or mixed with other foods that are 100% cacao because it provides the highest level of nourishment. This leads us to the end of this video. If you are going to use cacao or a chocolate milk product, it is best to use a chocolate milk product with the least amount of ingredients containing 100% pure cacao. This is Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist, signing out. I'll see you next time!

Hi everyone, Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist here with Z Natural Foods, and today's video is going to be on the topic of what is better: protein concentrate or protein isolate. But before we get started, I do need to mention two things. One, for more information about me, please go to my YouTube channel at, "A Master Herbalist's Perspective." And number two is our health disclaimer, which is: the information you're about to receive is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, prescribe, or diagnose any specific or general medical conditions. It is also not intended to be a replacement for your primary healthcare provider's diagnosis, treatment protocol, and medical information. With that said, let's get started. Some of the more popular questions we get at Z Natural Foods are related to the benefits and uses of protein powders. While deciding which source of protein powder is best for you may seem like your top priority, a related topic regarding the differences between a protein concentrate and isolate might actually be more important when attempting to maximize your protein powder benefits. So today, I'm going to answer the question of what is better: a protein concentrate or isolate. As always, I don't just answer your questions. I give you a thorough explanation as to why and provide critical details necessary to understand what you're about to hear. In simple terms, how we define "better" in this specific particular case is relative to the individual's goals, how well that individual utilizes what they consume, and the purpose for using a specific form of protein at a particular time. To answer this question correctly, let's review a few fun facts about proteins and the role they play in the big picture. So let's begin with denatured versus undenatured protein. Denatured protein is the alteration in folding patterns of protein by heat or chemical reaction from its original formation. Protein function depends on its structural shape, and heating causes proteins to vibrate, weakening the bonds that hold this complex shape. Undenatured protein is pure, properly functioning proteins without structural deformation, with all bioavailable nutrients and constituents. It's important to note that we at Z Natural Foods do not use the term "unprocessed" to define undenatured protein because everything goes through some processing to create an end product. For example, whey protein isolate goes through a very precise filtration process, removing the lactose and producing an end product yielding a higher amount of protein. Per serving with less fat and carbohydrates. Undenatured proteins are the purest form containing all bioactive compounds, as nature intended, like beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins, and lactoferrin. In a perfectly balanced state, a protein denatured through cooking with heat or some other process is not necessarily a bad thing. For example, a hard-boiled egg is regarded as a form of denatured protein, the heat used to make the hard-boiled egg changes its structural integrity, but overall it's still an excellent nutritional source, and all the amino acids necessary to form a complete protein, essential and non-essential amino acids and protein storage. There are 20 different amino acids that your body needs for various functions. 11 of the 20 are produced by the body, called non-essential amino acids. The other nine, called essential amino acids, we get from food because the body cannot produce them on its own. Proteins are not stored for later use. The body converts excess protein into glucose and triglycerides to supply energy and build energy reserves. When we eat a complete source of protein, the body breaks it down into amino acids to create muscle protein, along with a host of other proteins in the body for what are known as enzymatic reactions. The nine essential amino acids also act as what is known as regulatory signaling molecules. All the body is concerned about is having nine or nine essential amino acids when creating muscle and enzyme proteins. The overall result is the same whether the protein comes from one source, which would be like a concentrate or a combination of sources like plant protein. To be clear, this is not me saying that other factors don't affect the value and utilization of different sources of protein. It's just what I am trying to send out there as a message is, in the bigger picture, our body ultimately really does not know the difference. As long as those amino acids are present in the body, we can do so. The difference between a protein powder concentrate and an isolate is comparing a protein isolate and concentrate comes down to what you gain versus what you lose. As I stated earlier in this video, protein powder concentrates are considered the closest products intended to provide us with a high-quality source of protein with all cofactors and constituents available for a balanced and complete source of nourishment. The term concentrate, though, can be slightly misleading, as it implies that the consumer is getting a quantitatively more significant amount of protein. This is simply not the case. You are getting a more well-rounded end product with a greater spectrum of uses that may benefit overall health. Whey protein isolates, on the other hand, are a more refined product yielding a higher amount of protein with the goal of specific targeted action and application. Generally speaking, whey protein isolate, as an example, is a complete protein yielding approximately 90% protein concentration. It contains no fat and carbohydrates unless some of it is high in branched-chain amino acids, especially leucine. It is considered an undenatured protein. However, if the raw material company uses a filtration process that uses heating components, it may denature the proteins. But components like beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, and immunoglobulins, and lactoferrin are proteins by definition. Contrary to popular opinion, whey protein isolate does contain these critical factors, just in smaller amounts. Whey isolate may contain tiny amounts of lactose as well. Whey Protein Concentrate is a complete protein yielding approximately 80% protein concentrate, approximately three grams of carbohydrates, and two grams of fat per average serving. Whey Protein concentrate has many other components in fairly high amounts, like as mentioned before, beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins, and lactoferrin. It is a quality source of branched-chain amino acids, and it is an undenatured protein. Once again, whey concentrate does contain lactose. Therefore, the difference between isolate and concentrate comes down to the three following ideas: how much protein, carbohydrates, and fat you're getting in the product, the intrinsic details about the conditions under which the product is produced to create the end product, and the individual's specific standards or needs. So this leads me to another area of this video I want to discuss, which is, which is easier to digest, whey isolate or whey concentrate? I stated in previous protein articles I've done that the biological value of protein is one of many markers that determine how well biological value measures how efficiently the body utilizes each source of protein from different foods with a high biological value correlating to an increased supply of essential amino acids. The equation of biological value is calculated from nitrogen used from tissue formation divided by the nitrogen absorbed from food, then multiplied by 100. In simple terms, it's the percentage of nitrogen utilized. Nitrogen is the core component of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, and nucleic acids, the building blocks of genetic material. Whey protein, for example, has a biological value of 104. Generally, each individual's ability to digest whey can vary significantly based on factors like lactose protein concentration, carbohydrate sensitivity, and the effects on blood sugar that comes in. For those who tolerate whey protein well, the isolated version seems easier to digest and more efficient to utilize due to the absence of fat and carbohydrates. Whey concentrate contains a more significant amount of lactose and some fats and carbohydrates. Therefore, some individuals may not be as efficient at utilizing this protein form, especially if they are lactose intolerant. If a protein is producing gas, bloating, and goes right through you within two hours of ingestion, this may not be the best source of protein to optimize your results. Please keep in mind one factor. Many people have incredibly mild or delayed reactions to foods that may not appear as more significant problems for years. Therefore, it would take a lot of work to connect the dots. In the end, if you see a progression of good results, you are certainly on the right track. Picking the best protein source for you is a crucial part of optimizing your health and fitness goals. Each form of protein has its own unique characteristics and can offer various benefits based on an individual's needs and requirements. So, which form of whey protein, concentrate, or isolate is better for muscle gain? The answer to this question is not a matter of which is better for muscle gaining, but more importantly, what is the most appropriate time to use each form of protein in order to maximize your benefits and results? There are various theories on this topic, and the answer to this question is quite convoluted and depends on a few different factors: the form of whey or other milk-based protein powders being used, in other words, whey concentrate, isolate, hydrolyzed whey, or casein, and your goals (intended muscle gain, weight loss, blood sugar control, supporting a healthy immune system). All of these things play a vital role in the overall end results. For example, suppose you want to help with muscle recovery. In that case, that's post-workout because it is isolated from a protein that yields a higher amount of protein and is void of carbohydrates, allowing for faster absorption. While there are mixed opinions about exactly how quickly you should ingest whey post-workout, consuming it within one hour would be optimized. Any carbohydrate source, protein shake, or real grass, and replenish glycogen is often also among the suggestions. Suppose you're creating an intra-workout drink, which means a drink that you consume throughout the workout. In that case, using a high molecular weight carbohydrate like a highly branched cyclic dextrin with a hydrolyzed whey protein will provide the glycogen and amino acids needed for recovery. To support recovery when you're asleep, drinking whey concentrate or a casein protein is a good choice, as those will act slower or more as what some might consider a time-released form of protein to provide the body with essential nourishment throughout the night. Because you are getting so many essential nutrients and compounds, high-quality protein, and a good source of fat, whey concentrate is ideal for supporting a healthy immune system and recovery. In conclusion, whether you're consuming isolate or concentrating on a whey protein, you will provide your body with a wide range of nourishing compounds to support overall well-being. After all these years, it looks like we will Miss Muffet, and the spider that sat down beside her got it right. As you better eat your curds and whey. This is Mike Stuchiner, Master Herbalist with Z Natural Foods. I'll see you next time.