Three studies highlight the advantages of incorporating a substantial amount of plants into the diet and abstaining from animal products during early years. Research indicates that dietary choices during childhood can significantly influence adult health.
Recent research from Tufts University, the University of Eastern Finland, and the University of Bristol has shed light on the connection between childhood nutrition and adult health. These studies collectively emphasize the substantial advantages of prioritizing plant-based foods and steering clear of animal products and processed foods during early years, highlighting their influence on later-life health. It appears that the inclusion of plant-based protein in diets is crucial, and scientific evidence suggests that one should commence this practice early. A study from Tufts University specifically indicates that diets abundant in plant-based protein can contribute positively to women’s long-term health.
Utilizing data from over 48,000 women, this study discovered that those who had a higher protein intake, especially from plant-based sources like fruits, vegetables, bread, beans, legumes, and pasta, exhibited a reduced occurrence of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Additionally, they experienced better cognitive and mental health as they aged.
“Consuming protein during midlife was associated with promoting good health in older adulthood,” stated Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging and the lead author of the study. He added, “We also found that the source of protein matters. Obtaining the majority of your protein from plant sources in midlife, along with a small amount of animal protein, appears to be conducive to maintaining good health and achieving longevity in older ages.”
Analyzing data from the Nurses’ Health Study covering the period from 1984 to 2016, the research indicated that women who predominantly derived their protein from plant-based sources were 46% more likely to sustain good health in their later years. In contrast, those with a higher intake of animal protein were 6% less likely to achieve the same outcome.
