Plant Proteins Can Lead to a Longer Life

Swapping animal for plant protein in your diet can lead to a longer life, research has shown.

A large study found that every three per cent increase in calories from plant protein reduced the risk of death from all causes by 10 per cent. It was also associated with a 12 per cent lower risk of death from heart disease.

In contrast, raising the animal protein share of calories by 10 per cent led to a two per cent higher risk of all-cause death and an eight per cent greater chance of dying from a heart problem.

Animal protein foods include all types of meat, fish, eggs and dairy products such as milk and cheese. Plant sources of protein include cereals, beans, nuts, legumes, soya and bread. The greater risk of dying linked to eating animal protein was more pronounced among people who were obese, had a history of smoking, drank heavily, and who did little exercise.

Among the healthiest participants, the association disappeared – possibly because health-conscious people tended to eat more fish and poultry rather than red and processed meat, said the researchers. Replacing processed red meat with plant protein was linked to a 34 per cent lower risk of death from all causes for every three per cent of calorie intake.

Substituting plant protein for eggs led to a 19 per cent reduction in death risk.

Lead scientist Dr Mingyang Song, from Massachusetts General Hospital, US, said: “Overall, our findings support the importance of the sources of dietary protein for long-term health outcomes.

“While previous studies have primarily focused on the overall amount of protein intake – which is important – from a broad dietary perspective, the particular foods that people consume to get protein are equally important.

“Our findings suggest people should consider eating more plant proteins than animal proteins.”

SWAP ANIMAL PRODUCTS FOR PLANT PROTEINS

• Leafy greens. Load up on leafy green veggies as these contain a relatively high pH, which means they are less acidic.
• Chia seeds are very popular with people who like to run.
• Spirulina is a healthy source of protein.
• Quinoa. There are very few foods out there that can be tagged as a ‘superfood’ and quinoa is one of them.