Studies have shown that diets high in animal protein may help to prevent neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence that animal protein might be the key that unlocks the door to health span (number of years a human remains free of disease and disability). In this article we will review the compelling evidence as to why someone might want to consider eating more animal protein.
Animal Proteins and Neurologic Conditions
Animal protein is particularly rich in vitamin B12, which is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to neurological conditions such as dementia and cognitive decline.
Animal protein is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have neuroprotective effects. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health and may help to prevent neurological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, it is important to note that excessive consumption of animal protein can have a negative impact on the kidneys. Furthermore, a diet high in animal protein that is also high in carbohydrates has been linked to heart disease and poor health outcomes. Therefore, it is important to consume animal protein in moderation, choose lean sources of protein, such as chicken, fish, and lean cuts of beef, and minimize carbohydrate intake.
Animal Protein and Aging
Animal protein might improve health span because it is a rich source of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are important for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall health as we age.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at building and maintaining muscle mass. This can lead to a condition called sarcopenia, which is characterized by a loss of muscle mass and strength. Consuming adequate amounts of protein, including animal protein, can help to prevent sarcopenia and maintain muscle mass and strength.
Animal protein is also a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. As we age, our bones become more fragile and are more susceptible to fractures. Consuming adequate amounts of calcium, along with other bone-building nutrients such as vitamin D, can help to maintain bone density and prevent fractures.
In addition to its muscle- and bone-building benefits, animal protein is also important for overall health as we age. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals that are important for maintaining a healthy immune system, preventing chronic diseases, and supporting cognitive function as stated above.
As with the previous section, it is important to reiterate that one should consume animal protein in moderation and to choose lean sources of protein, such as chicken, fish, and lean cuts of beef. Excessive consumption of animal protein can contribute to kidney damage.
Articles you may be interested in:
Movement over Emotion
If you have moments when you feel overwhelmed, congratulations. You are on the right path to your next big accomplishment. In the physical performance world, the overload principle simplified is the body’s adaptive response to physical stress. The result is growth....
Don’t judge a book.
“Judging others is bad”. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. From our earliest age we are taught not to “judge” people. My definition of “judging” is when an opinion about someone is attached to a “value”. “Good people” and “Bad people”. “Good behavior” and “bad...
Strategy over “strength”
I am a “fixer”. I see problems or potential problems and I immediately jump in headfirst to “fix” said problem. I can also sometimes be an “avoider”. Look ahead to avoid potential problems. Finally, and most importantly, I am NOT a “tread-er.” Rarely do I find it...
Don’t believe your lying eyes
If you want to change an area of your life, start with the smallest habit you can consistently do to move you in that direction. Seeing is believing. Personally, this strategy has been effective with fitness, academic, and business goals. If you want to run a...
The tail of two nails
Whether you believe it to be true or false, you are right. A british journal published a case of a construction worker who jumped off a plank landing on a nail that punctured straight through his shoe emerging on the other side. In terrible pain, the man was sedated...
When “fantacy” overshadows reality
When was the last time you remember having to think about how to retrieve a glass of water from a table? If you are a healthy adult, probably never. You see, there are skills that require “motor planning”. However, most activities of daily living are automatic. That...
Why you strive for more
Health is the greatest gift; Contentment is the greatest wealth - Siddhartha Gautama Feeling a little bit of discontentment is an extremely effective motivation to move toward a specific goal. Folks with financial “wealth” will often credit their drive to growing up...
Choose your gemstones
Feeling frustrated by your lack of progress? If so, you are on the right track. BIG things are about to happen. Frustration is a sense of discouragement, anger, and annoyance because of unresolved problems or unfulfilled goals, desires, or needs. I don’t like feeling...
Why do you do what you do?
Why do we do what we do? “Good” behavior or “bad”, if progress is a high priority, it’s an essential question. Are you doing what you need to do to make progress? If not, you aren’t alone. I think we have all had a time in our lives when we lacked confidence in our...
Secret to win the game of life
"Just look on the brite side". I was recently watching a self-proclaimed “optimist” teach about all the benefits of optimism. His second most jarring statement was something like, “You must be an optimist to succeed.” I will “circle back” to number one....