Switch to Healthier Protein
Based on the USDA, the average American consumes 3 times more meat than rest of the world. A healthy person on a 2000 calorie diet only needs about 5 and half ounces of protein a day, while the average American consumes about 8 ounces of meat proteins a day.
Keep in mind, protein doesn’t have to come only from meat or seafood. Plant is also an excellent source of protein and can be found in: Beans, Lentil, Tofu and Legume. They are, in fact, a much healthier choice compared to animal sources of protein. Plant proteins have no saturated fat, no cholesterol and also they have loads of phytochemical and antioxidants that help us slow down aging, and keep our body healthy. Meanwhile, animal proteins have a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol.
During High temperature cooking, meat can generate carcinogens which increase risk factors for developing cancer. Meats are also number 1 source for AGEs, Advanced Glycation End-products. Researchers believe AGEs is one of top causes of Aging and many chronic illnesses.
As we mentioned in the last months, sugar was one of source for AGEs. Beside over consumption of sugar. Meat is the number one source of AGEs. Many researches have found and believe that AGEs are one of main causes of aging and many chronic diseases (as result of aging) such as type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, glycoma, arthritis and atherosclerosis (the hardening of artery). Moreover, AGEs break down the collagen of our skin, which causes our skin to sag more and develop more wrinkles.
October 2015, the WHO (World Health Organization) just made an announcement that classified red meat as level 2A (Probably carcinogenic to humans):
“In the case of red meat, the classification is based on limited evidence from epidemiological studies showing positive associations between eating red meat and developing colorectal cancer as well as strong mechanistic evidence.” — World Health Organization, October 2015
And Processed meat is level 1 (Carcinogenic to humans):
“In the case of processed meat, this classification is based on sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies that eating processed meat causes colorectal cancer.” — World Health Organization, October 2015
So, when possible, try to switch from animal protein to plant based protein such as: Beans, Lentils, Pea, Edamame or Tofu (use the Non-GMO Tofu). Not only are they great sources of protein, but they also contain an excellent source of dietary fibers, vitamins, mineral, and many important phytochemicals that help maintain our body’s health and also slow down aging. Because many of those work as an antioxidants, which can help fight off the damage from free radical attacks (another cause of aging). Moreover, many studies have found correlated vegan and vegetarian diets with a decreased risk of several types of chronic illnesses.
The journey of thousand miles starts with one step. Everyday is the perfect day to take good care of our health. A small positive change today can make a large beneficial impact on our future.
One of best investments in life is our health!
【Disclaimer】: The contents from the article/pages are for informational purposes only. They are not to be used as personal medical or legal advice. If you have a special diet, please follow your doctor’s guidelines. Also, please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
