A method of creating protein powder has been doing the rounds online this week, and people have been left utterly disgusted.
If you're a fitness fan, then it would come as no surprise if you incorporated a large amount of protein into your diet to help build and repair muscles.
You may do this through eating more protein-heavy food, or you may take supplements, such as protein shakes.
Particularly for those looking to build muscle, protein shakes can be highly effective in providing your body with a high dosage of the macro-nutrient.
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It may a huge part of your workout routine, drinking it before, during or after exercise, but have you ever wondered how it's made?
Probably not, but we're here to tell you anyway.
A particular method that is used to make the workout shakes has been doing the rounds on social media, and you may not like what you see.
The TikTok video has garnered over 20 million views since being posted three days ago.
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It starts with a conveyor belt of live worms leading to a tray.
Yes, you heard that right, worms.
They are then slid into a machine to presumably be cooked and killed, then spread out on trays and put in a drying machine to dehydrate.
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Once they are dried, the worms are put in a grinder and made into the powder that many of you might be familiar with.
The powder is then compressed to get rid of any worm juices (feeling sick writing this), before being bagged.
Don't worry though, not all brands or types of protein powder will contain worms, or any insects for that matter.
Insect protein powder is a protein supplement that, as you now know, is derived from insects such as mealworms and crickets.
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There are several health benefits to worm protein over other protein sources though, hear me out.
Firstly, they are a highly sustainable food source, as worms are efficient at converting its organic waste into nutrient-rich protein.
Yummy.
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It is also highly digestible, providing a better alternative to those with digestion issues, while also being rich in essential amino acids.
It is a complete protein source, having the same benefits as the popular whey protein and more.
People were disgusted at the process in the video though, leaving their thoughts in the comments.
One user said: "Thanks. I’m never touching protein powder ever again."
Another commented: "Please tell me this isn’t real, I just drank the last sip of my protein shake," followed by a crying emoji.
While a third didn't care: "my protein powder tastes like chocolate idc whats in it".
Now we all know the truth around (some) protein shakes.
Featured Image Credit: TikTok/@kv53heTopics: Health, TikTok, Social Media, Weird