DID YOU KNOW…
My role as a dietitian is to present a nutrition-based diagnosis, that may be based on a medical diagnosis, and offer nutrition and lifestyle prescriptions that can help you improve your overall health. My goal is to help you commit to making changes of your choice that will help you develop your own personal wellness plan – whatever that may mean to you.
For instance, you may be considering eating more plant protein and less animal protein. If this is your goal, whether you have underlying health conditions or not, I can help you achieve it in a manner that feels right to you. If you have considered “Meatless Mondays”, but are unsure if this is the path you’d like to follow, here is a summary of a study that looks at the benefits of making the protein switch.
The study published this month in JAMA asked the question, “Does an association exist between dietary protein choice, particularly from various food sources, and long-term overall mortality or cause-specific mortality in the US population?” The overall finding is that plant protein reduces the overall risk of early death. This seems to be especially true if we eat healthy plant protein instead of eggs and red meat.
The study had over 400,000 participants and data was gathered for about 16 years. The senior researcher, Dr. Demetrius Albanes, says, "Our data provide evidence to support the favorable role for plant-based diets in the prevention of cardiovascular disease mortality, and that modifications in choices of protein sources may influence health outcomes and longevity."
While the research did not study cause and effect, the pattern that emerged was that for every 10 grams (1/3 of an ounce – tiny!) of plant protein that was exchanged for animal protein per 1000 calories of intake, the risk of early death was 12% lower for men and 14% lower for women. Imagine if you swapped most or all of your animal protein and for healthy plant proteins like legumes, soy, whole grains, nuts and seeds. These types of plant proteins are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients, the latter three of which are missing from animal proteins.
In summary, the study tells us that there are good reasons for health professionals to recommend dietary changes in protein sources in order to promote “health and longevity”. Over time, choosing healthy plant protein over animal protein can add years to your life and health to your years.
If you or anyone you know is ready to make a new wellness plan, I am currently accepting new clients who are curious about adopting a plant-based eating pattern. I am here to help!