Are You Overdoing Protein? The Potential Risks Explained

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and meditation can enhance your health, but consuming excessive amounts of animal protein might actually be harmful. Nutrition experts warn that overconsumption of protein, especially from animal sources, could reduce your lifespan rather than extend it.

It's important to note that protein is essential for the body, particularly as we age. Dr. Susan J. Perry, a certified anti-aging physician, mentioned in an interview with HuffPost that getting an adequate amount of protein is crucial, but also warned against overconsumption. The recommendation is to consume about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, with excessive intake possibly exceeding 100 grams per day. The main issue is that a high protein intake often comes from animal sources like meat, eggs, and dairy, which are considered less healthy.

Animal protein has been associated with adverse effects like the accumulation of harmful compounds in the body. Dr. Monisha Bhanotta, a longevity expert, explains that animal foods can lead to the creation of damaging substances such as AGEs and TMAO, which may cause accelerated aging.

AGEs are compounds formed in the body when proteins and fats combine with sugar, and studies show that they accumulate in tissues over time, leading to issues such as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, this can cause cholesterol buildup in arteries, leading to cardiovascular diseases.

In conclusion, while protein is vital for the body, excessive consumption, particularly from animal sources, can speed up the aging process and result in chronic diseases that shorten life expectancy.