Did you know that extensive studies involving over 120,000 adults have revealed a concerning association between daily red meat consumption and a shortened lifespan? Specifically, individuals who consume red meat daily face an 18-21% higher risk of succumbing to cardiovascular disease and a 10-16% higher risk of cancer-related mortality. Moreover, dairy products have been identified as significant contributors to inflammation within the body. In contrast, a diet that primarily sources protein from vegetables, fatty fish, eggs, and poultry offers a far healthier choice, linked to enhanced cognitive function, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cancer, as well as an extended lifespan.
Impact on Health and Longevity
Proteins are akin to the body’s building blocks, comprising 20 different amino acids, of which nine are deemed essential. These essential amino acids must be obtained through the diet since the body cannot synthesize them independently. Proteins play an indispensable role in the body’s ability to construct and repair muscles, bones, hair, blood, connective tissue, antibodies, enzymes, and more. Additionally, they serve as an energy source. To support these vital growth processes, it’s crucial to ensure an adequate protein intake.
However, it’s important to note that more isn’t necessarily better. The body lacks the capacity to store excess protein, so any surplus beyond what’s required for building and energy purposes is stored as fat. Moreover, excessive protein intake can place strain on the kidneys, elevate blood lipid levels, and increase the risk of heart disease and premature death.
Also, incorporating intermittent periods of low protein intake can trigger a class of longevity genes known as mTOR to enter a repair and protect mode, offering a range of longevity benefits, including DNA repair, reduced inflammation from senescent (zombie) cells, digestion of old proteins, and a significantly extended lifespan. Therefore, sourcing proteins from the right food groups, in appropriate amounts, and at specific times is vital for promoting health and longevity.
Live Happier, Healthier, Longer
Healthy Proteins is one of several influential factors that can have a radical impact on your quality of life, rate of aging, risk of disease, and lifespan. But the challenges, goals and journey is different for everyone. And lifestyle changes can be hard to realize and maintain.
At the Longevity Institute, we are dedicated to providing programs, tools, and knowledge to help you assess and improve these risk factors, enabling you to live a happier, healthier, and longer life. Download the Longevity app to get a powerful companion on the journey.
References
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