A groundbreaking study has revealed that women who consume higher amounts of protein, particularly from plant-based sources, are likely to enjoy better health as they age.
This research, which focused on over 48,000 women, found that those who incorporated more plant-based protein into their diets experienced fewer instances of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
The study, led by Andres Ardisson Korat at Tufts University, underscores the significance of protein sources in promoting good health in later life.
“Consuming protein from plants along with a small amount of animal protein in midlife seems to lead to good health and longevity,” says Ardisson Korat.
This research is part of the long-running Nurses’ Health Study, which began in 1984 and involved female health care professionals. These women, aged 38 to 59 at the study’s start, were in good physical and mental health.
The study team analyzed surveys collected every four years to understand dietary protein’s impact on healthy aging.
Ardisson Korat and his team calculated protein intake using the Harvard University Food Composition Database.
They compared women who maintained good health and those who didn’t across several years.
Remarkably, women who consumed more plant-based protein were 46% more likely to remain healthy into their later years, while those who consumed more animal protein had a 6% lower chance.
The study found that plant proteins had a stronger, more consistent correlation with maintaining physical function and mental health in older age compared to animal proteins. Particularly for heart disease, higher plant protein intake was associated with lower levels of LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and better insulin sensitivity.
On the other hand, higher animal protein consumption was linked to higher levels of these risk factors and increased insulin-like growth factor, which is associated with several cancers.
Interestingly, dairy protein didn’t show a significant impact on older adults’ health status.
The researchers speculate that the benefits of plant protein might stem from the higher dietary fiber, micronutrients, and polyphenols in plant-based foods, rather than the protein itself.
Ardisson Korat notes that the study, primarily involving white females in healthcare, calls for more diverse research to confirm these findings.
Yet, the study’s conclusions support the idea that women should primarily consume plant-based proteins, supplemented by some fish and animal protein for essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12.
In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence that plant-based proteins play a crucial role in promoting healthy aging and maintaining good health in older age for women.
It highlights the importance of considering not just the quantity but also the source of dietary protein for long-term health benefits.
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The research findings can be found in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
