Study: Eating Plant Protein Linked to Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases and Extended Lifespan

Eating protein from plant sources, supplemented with a small amounts of animal protein during midlife, contributes to better overall physical health.
Study: Eating Plant Protein Linked to Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases and Extended Lifespan
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Protein is a vital nutrient for the human body. Among various protein sources, plant proteins contain lower levels of fat and cholesterol while also containing more dietary fiber. Recent research has shown that increasing the intake of plant proteins not only reduces the risk of chronic diseases but also contributes to an extended lifespan.

11 Chronic Diseases Reduced

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in February indicated that women who ate more plant protein in midlife had a lower likelihood of developing 11 chronic diseases as they aged. Additionally, their mental health, cognitive function, and physical well-being appeared to be better.

The study analyzed data from 48,762 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study with a mean initial age of about 48 years, who were followed for more than 30 years. The researchers examined their intake of total protein, animal protein, dairy protein, and plant protein to assess the relationship between protein intake levels, protein types, and healthy aging.