A latest scientific study suggests that swapping animal protein with plant based protein is beneficial for the human body.
The researchers at BMJ published a report that said, these findings “support current dietary recommendations to increase consumption of plant proteins in the general population.”
Diets high in protein, particularly protein from plants such as legumes (peas, beans and lentils), whole grains and nuts, have been linked to lower risks of developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke, while regular consumption of red meat and high intake of animal proteins have been linked to several health problems.
The study results show that high intake of total protein was associated with a lower risk of all cause mortality compared with low intake. Intake of plant protein was associated with an 8% lower risk of all cause mortality and a 12% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.
Intake of animal protein was not significantly associated with risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality. A dose-response analysis of data from 31 studies also showed that an additional 3% of energy from plant proteins a day was associated with a 5% lower risk of death from all causes.
Possible reasons for the beneficial effects of plant proteins include their association with favourable changes in blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which might help to lower the risk of conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, say the researchers.
Quinoa, hemp seeds, peanut butter, green peas, chickpeas, oats, nutritional yeast, broccoli and lentils are some of the sources of plant proteins that you can take.
