New research from Tufts University suggests that women incorporating plenty of plant-based proteins into their diets are 46% more likely to maintain good health in their later years. Beyond the expected fruits, veggies, nuts, and beans, surprising additions like bread, pasta, mashed potatoes, and even pizza are considered beneficial.
The study, spanning 32 years and involving 48,000 women, found that those with plant-focused diets were less prone to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Notably, this advantage did not extend to those consuming high levels of animal-based proteins like meat, fish, and cheese.
Key plant-based protein sources identified in the research include bread, vegetables, fruits, mashed potatoes, nuts, beans, peanut butter, pasta, and even pizza, cereal, and baked goods.
Andres Ardisson Korat, the study's lead author, clarified that the inclusion of pizza and baked items doesn't mean they are inherently healthy. Rather, they ended up in the plant-based protein category due to their prevalence in the U.S. diet and containing gluten, a plant-based protein.
Ardisson Korat emphasized that the source of protein matters, stating, "Getting the majority of your protein from plant sources at midlife, plus a small amount of animal protein, seems to be conducive to good health and good survival to older ages."
However, he cautioned against misinterpreting the findings, noting that while pizza might not be a health elixir, the plant-based proteins it contains are beneficial if pizza is part of your diet.
The study relies on the Nurses' Health Study, spanning 1984 to 2016, tracking female healthcare professionals aged 38 to 59 at the outset. It analyzes self-reported nutrition data, primarily from white women, raising questions about applicability to other demographics.
The findings, while positive, are relative. Opting for bread and pizza over bacon double cheeseburgers might be a better choice, but it doesn't surpass the benefits of consuming beans, salads, and fruit. Moreover, the research doesn't negate the importance of overall calorie restriction, as other studies suggest.
In conclusion, while science is an ongoing process, these findings provide encouragement for those favoring thin-crust pizzas with whole-grain bases, limited cheese, and fresh ingredients. However, common sense prevails – a slice of pizza may be a better option than a cheeseburger, but a healthy salad likely reigns supreme.
This article was authored by Brett Arends and produced by MarketWatch, an independent publication from Dow Jones & Co.
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