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High-Protein Diet Linked to Heart Failure in Older Women

  • December 03, 2016

A new study covered by CNN Health shows that postmenopausal women who eat a high-protein diet, especially in the form of meat, have an almost double risk of heart failure than those who eat less protein or more vegetable protein.

While scientists said it’s possible that vegetable protein eaters may have all-round healthier lifestyles, it’s true there are very real risks of consuming too much protein, such as elevated blood sugar, weight gain, kidney stress, leaching of bone minerals, and stimulating cancer cells.

Most Americans consume three to five times more protein than they need, along with excessive starchy carbs and not enough healthy fats. A more ideal protein intake is likely around one-half to 1 gram of protein per pound of lean body mass, which for most is 40 to 70 grams a day, but restricting your protein to plant-only sources may create a sulfur deficiency and potentially accelerate age-related functional decline.

For longevity, aim for a diet high in healthy fats, low in net carbs, with moderate amounts of high quality protein. (Forty grams of protein is not a large amount of food — it's the equivalent of one 6-ounce chicken breast.) And when you do eat meat, be sure it’s organically pastured and free of antibiotics (meaning NOT from a CAFO).

Also, don’t sabotage your health by eating too much protein. Remember that substantial amounts of protein are also found in fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts and seeds, as well as some vegetables, for example, broccoli.