Protein denaturation

[anthrax]

Protein + low pH juice = colloid (sp?)

for ex milk + lemon juice/vinegar =

but does it mean protein is denaturing (of proteins) ?
are the prots still "OK" ?

 

[LargeNCharge]

If I'm not mistaken, the only things that will denature proteins are heat and letting the solution sit, once dissolved in solute.

 

[ccc]

i always wonder about this too. Heat does denature protein, but pH does too.. Your stomach pH is like 1 or 2 ( very acidic). So even if you ate raw uncooked protein - it will be denatured in the stomach... Wont that make the protein unusable? There is just something that I am not understanding. BUMP to anyone who can clear this up.... Thanks

 

[MS]

Within reason, protein denaturation is fine, as long as the amino acids remain intact. The whole purpose of digesting proteins is to denature them into peptides small enough to be absobed. Extreme denaturation (such as charcoaled/burnt meat) will destroy the amino acids as well as produce heterocyclic amines which are pretty bad for ya! Acidic denaturation is one of the main methods of making cheeses and tofu. These foods maintain high quality protein/amino acid profiles.