Protein intake has always played an important role in maintaining the health status of older adults, but few epidemiologic studies have examined midlife protein intake in relation to healthy aging.
A new study found that women who include enough protein, particularly plant protein, in their diet are likely to remain healthy as they age. Healthy aging is not just about adding years to the lifespan but living healthily without chronic health conditions.
Women who consume higher amounts of protein, especially protein from plant-based sources, develop fewer chronic diseases and are more likely to be healthier overall as they age, according to a study led by researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University and published Jan. 17 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.