A new study of nearly 16,000 adults finds that animal protein consumption is not linked to increased death risk and can actually protect against cancer-related death. The research, conducted by Canada’s McMaster University, challenges previous assumptions about dietary protein and health outcomes. Lead researchers, including Yanni Papanikolaou, president of Nutritional Strategies, noted that both animal and plant proteins contribute to health and longevity, suggesting a more nuanced approach to dietary guidelines.
The study focused on the relationship between protein intake and mortality risk, analyzing data from participants aged 19 and older. Researchers evaluated how much animal and plant protein each individual consumed and compared this with the risk of death from various causes such as heart disease and cancer. Notably, the findings showed that higher consumption of animal protein was not associated with increased mortality risk. In fact, it was linked to a