In recent times, there has been a shift in attitudes towards protein, and the amount we should be eating. Increasingly, diets and experts are recommending eating less protein than we might be used to. We also tend to be eating protein-laded foods when we eat animal products at most meals. Protein is essential for a healthy body, but do we need to eat that much? We asked the experts for their opinions on protein and its role in our diet. It turns out too much protein can be dangerous!
A high protein diet can shorten your life
Actually, this is only true for younger people. A 2014 study found that a high protein diet can actually improve the health of those over 80, but is not so good for those around 50.
We don’t need it
Considering protein-rich foods, especially of animal origin, are the most expensive foods, it is a waste of money to eat more protein than you actually need. A palm-sized portion of lean protein is all you need per meal.
It turns into sugar
Our bodies convert protein into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. However, studies have shown that high-protein diets actually improve glucose control in type II diabetics.
