Protein from plants and beyond may help prevent many types of chronic disease in women
A new study suggests that a diet rich in protein may help keep women healthier as they age and aid in prevention of conditions like Type 2 diabetes and kidney failure.
A diet rich in protein — especially plant protein — may keep women healthier as they age, a new study suggests.
In an analysis of data from more than 48,000 women, researchers found that each 3% increase in the amount of plant protein consumed was associated with a 38% higher likelihood of staying healthy as the women got older, meaning fewer or no chronic diseases, better physical mobility and little cognitive decline, according to the report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on Wednesday.
“In particular, plant protein, seemed to be favorably associated with good mental health status and a lack of impairments in memory,” said the study’s lead author, Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.
“The advantage of consuming more plant protein — compared to other nutrients in the diet — is that plant protein is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions,” he said, adding that plant protein also promotes good physical function by enhancing muscle synthesis.
Moreover, plant protein “comes from food sources that typically contain high-quality carbohydrates, containing more fiber, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants,” Ardisson Korat said.
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