Proteins: 4 common misconceptions

Between misconceptions, alarmist documentaries, and "protein-enriched" sausages, it's hard to know what to believe. Are proteins dangerous for your health? Should you eat meat every day? Are protein powders only for bodybuilders?

This article separates fact from fiction. Here are the 4 biggest myths about protein, with clear answers based on official recommendations and adapted to real life.

Myth 1: “Proteins can be dangerous to your health”

Fake.

Proteins are essential for the proper functioning of the body. As long as your intake remains reasonable and adapted to your lifestyle, they pose no danger.

The basic recommendations (WHO) are 0.8 to 1 g of protein per kilogram of body weight. But in many cases, the requirement can be increased to 1.3 to 1.6 g/kg. This is the case if you engage in very regular physical activity, if you are a teenager, pregnant, in the healing phase, or if you are following a low-calorie diet.

For example, a person weighing 80 kg needs 64 to 128 g of protein per day depending on their activity level. However, many people don't even reach the lower end of this range.

Contrary to popular belief, moderate and appropriate protein consumption does not damage the kidneys in healthy individuals.

At Pulse, we offer products designed to help you reach your recommended protein intake without unnecessarily exceeding it. A Pulse protein bar contains 15g of protein: a useful, convenient dose that fits perfectly into a balanced diet.

Myth 2: “The word 'protein' is just a way to sell it at a higher price.”

Yes, protein-rich products often cost more. But it's not just because of marketing. Protein is simply more expensive to produce than ingredients like sugar, palm oil, or white flour.

A product truly rich in protein, made with quality ingredients, therefore has a higher manufacturing cost. This price can be justified. Where marketing goes astray is when some brands overuse the word "protein," without any real nutritional value behind it.

At Pulse, we do the opposite. Our products are designed for their nutritional value. Take our protein nut granola , for example: it's high in protein, free of refined sugar, packed with nuts, and made in Belgium with quality ingredients.

This is not a fad. It is a product designed to meet a real need.

Myth 3: “You can meet your protein needs without meat”

True, but it's not always simple.

A person weighing 70 kg needs approximately 60 to 90 g of protein per day. And if you eat a plant-based diet, you need to combine several food sources and ensure variety to reach this goal.

For example, to obtain 20g of protein, you need either:

• 100g of chicken or tempeh
• 3 to 4 eggs
• 250g of cooked lentils
• 150g tofu

Plant-based proteins are sometimes less well absorbed than those of animal origin. It is therefore important to vary your sources (legumes, oilseeds, whole grains) to obtain all the essential amino acids.

It's doable, of course. But in everyday life, it's not always instinctive or practical. That's why we've developed products that are easy to incorporate into your diet, like our protein-enriched almond butter , ideal for breakfast. Just one slice = 5g of extra protein.

Myth 4: “Protein powder is only for bodybuilders”

Fake.

Proteins are not just for elite athletes. They are a fundamental need for everyone: men, women, teenagers, seniors, active people or those recovering from illness.

And their role extends far beyond muscle building. Proteins:

• contribute to the structure of tissues, cells and organs
• participate in the production of enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters
• support immunity, healing and recovery
• regulate appetite, energy and concentration

A good protein intake, spread throughout the day, can improve satiety, mental fitness, and overall well-being, even without intense physical activity.

That's precisely why we created protein powders adapted to all profiles, easy to integrate into a daily routine. One serving = 20g of protein, the same as a steak, without cooking, without constraints, and with a much lower carbon footprint.

Conclusion: Sorting through your purchases leads to better consumption.

No, protein isn't dangerous. No, it's not just for gyms. And no, protein products aren't always just marketing hype. At Pulse, we want to simplify access to a protein-rich diet, tailored to your everyday life, whether you're an athlete or not. Our products are designed to support you in real life, without exaggeration or false promises.