Key points from article :
A new study from the University of Sydney highlights the health benefits of plant-based proteins, showing a direct link to longer life expectancy in adults. Published in Nature Communications, the research compares life expectancy in countries with higher consumption of plant-based proteins, such as legumes, tofu, and whole grains, to those with more animal-based proteins.
The study found that adults in countries with higher plant-based protein intake had significantly lower risks of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and enjoyed lower mortality rates. Conversely, nations that relied heavily on animal proteins, like the U.S., had lower life expectancy. The researchers also noted that regions with the longest life expectancies, including Okinawa, Japan, Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California, are known for their plant-rich diets.
The study, which analysed food supply data from 101 countries over a 60-year period, underscores the growing importance of plant-based diets, not just for individual health but also for global sustainability. Lead author Alistair Senior emphasized the importance of considering how our protein sources impact both personal longevity and the planet’s well-being.
