Gaby
It’s highly likely that the robust health of older women is linked to their lifelong consumption of adequate protein found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
This insight comes from a team of researchers led by Dr. Andres Ardisson Korat from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging.
According to the study’s leader, “the consumption of plant-based protein by women in middle age is associated with good health in later years.”
What the Researchers Discovered
The scientists found that women who consumed more plant-based protein had fewer chronic diseases and were generally healthier in their later years. Those whose diets included protein from sources such as fruits, vegetables, bread, beans, legumes, and pasta were significantly less likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. They also faced a much lower risk of cognitive and mental health decline compared to those who did not consume plant proteins.
The team analyzed health data from nurses collected between 1984 and 2016 by experts at Harvard University. In 1984, the women were aged between 38 and 59, and at the start of the study, their physical and mental health was considered strong.
Dr. Andres Ardisson Korat’s team focused on how frequently the study participants consumed various foods to determine the impact of plant protein on the aging process.
According to the data, women who ate more plant-based protein (defined in 1984 as protein derived from bread, vegetables, fruits, pizza, cereals, baked goods, mashed potatoes, nuts, beans, peanut oil, and pasta) had a greater chance of maintaining their health into old age.
In contrast, those who consumed more animal protein had a 6 percent lower chance of staying healthy as they aged.
The data analysis also showed that women who favored plant-based protein in their later years exhibited better mental health, as reported by the Independent. Regarding the development of cardiovascular diseases, a higher intake of plant protein was associated with lower levels of bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity.
Thus, according to Dr. Andres Ardisson Korat, the source of protein is crucial. Obtaining a significant portion of protein from plant sources and a smaller amount from animal sources in middle age contributes to strong health and longevity. The results support the advice from nutrition experts to eat as many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds as possible. However, as the researchers noted, women should not completely disregard sources of animal protein, as they provide essential nutrients like iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12, which are vital for an aging body.
The findings of the study were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
