Proteins in the body build, repair tissues, make enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscle, cartilage, skin and blood. Bodybuilders are snatching, grabbing, and gulping down protein shakes. Dieters are gobbling down protein bars and shunning pasta in the hope of quick weight loss.
Vitamins and minerals are needed in only small quantities, and are called “micronutrients.” Protein is a “macronutrient,” meaning that the body needs relatively large amounts of it. Although recent reports suggest that a high protein diet can increase the risk of heart failure for middle-aged men. It was observed that men over the age of 40 may develop heart failure due to the inability of the heart to pump blood and oxygen to remain healthy.
Proteins from eggs and fish were seen to be harmless to the heart. Although earlier reports from animal sources have linked protein causing high risks of type 2 diabetes and even death. A study was conducted for around 2441 men, aged 42 to 60, who were followed for around 22 years. Overall, researchers found 334 cases of heart failure and the protein consumed was from 70% animal sources and 27.7% plant sources.
The researchers then conducted a study dividing the men into 4 groups based on their daily protein consumption. When they compared men who ate the most protein to those who ate the least, they found that:
- 33% higher from all sources of protein
- 43% higher from animal protein.
- 49% higher from dairy protein
- 17% higher from plant protein
(With inputs from ANI)