As we age, the thought of staying healthy and living a long life naturally becomes more at the top of our minds, and what we eat is a big piece of that puzzle. You might be thinking about what changes you can make to your diet to keep feeling your best.
Now, some interesting research out of the University of Sydney has taken a closer look at how the protein we eat affects how long we live, and the results could make you think twice about what’s on your plate for dinner tonight.
The research, published in Nature Communications, was conducted by a team at the Charles Perkins Centre, led by Dr Alistair Senior and PhD candidate Caitlin Andrews.
They delved into food supply and demographic data from 1961 to 2018 across 101 countries. After adjusting for population size and wealth, the study revealed a compelling correlation between plant-based protein consumption and adult life expectancy.
Andrews, the study’s first author, explained the nuanced results: ‘Our study suggests a mixed picture when it comes to comparing the health impacts of meat- versus plant-based protein at a population level.’
‘For the under-fives, a diet rich in animal-based proteins and fats seemed to lower infant mortality rates. However, for adults, the reverse was true, with plant-based proteins being linked to increased overall life expectancy.’
The research team analysed a vast array of publicly available data, including the amount of food produced per country and the levels of calories, proteins, and fats available for consumption.
They looked at countries with diverse dietary patterns, from meat-heavy diets in places like Australia and the United States (US) to plant-centric diets in countries like Pakistan and Indonesia.
The findings were clear: nations with higher availability of plant-based proteins, like India, boasted longer life expectancies than those with diets dominated by animal-based proteins, such as the US.
The consumption of animal-based proteins, mainly processed meats, has been linked to various chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Conversely, plant proteins found in legumes, nuts, and whole grains are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases and overall mortality rates.
This aligns with observations from some of the world’s longest-lived communities, such as Okinawa in Japan, Ikaria in Greece, and Loma Linda in California, where plant-based diets are prevalent.
Senior emphasised: ‘Protein is a crucial part of the human diet, but as eating habits change and developed countries look to decarbonise, where we get our protein from has come under greater scrutiny.’
‘The knowledge that plant-based protein is associated with a longer life is really important as we consider not only how our diets impact our own longevity but the health of the planet.’
Have you noticed a difference in your health after incorporating more plant-based proteins into your meals? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: Drinking plant-based milk might be affecting your mental health! What’s the next best alternative?
