American Heart Association Recommends Sourcing Protein From Plants Instead of Meat

The dietary guidelines diverge on protein from the government’s recently released guidance.

Soybeans are unloaded from a truck at a local grain dealer in Queen Anne, Md., on Oct. 10, 2025. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

The American Heart Association on March 31 recommended people primarily derive protein from plant sources, such as beans and nuts, rather than meat.

The organization said in its 2026 dietary guidelines that healthy sources of protein include beans, peas, lentils, and nuts. It said that people should also regularly consume fish and other seafood.