New Research on High-Protein Diets Uncovers Surprising Effects On Longevity

We all know the importance of protein.

Protein is essential for building bones, oxygenating, digesting, and repairing and recovering. It’s a critical macronutrient for survival—and, of course, gains.

You may not know that new research has shown that a particular amino acid in protein is critical for longevity.

However, it’s important to note that a regular supplement won’t yield the same results. It's crucial to understand the right method of obtaining this amino acid.

Let’s explore how protein can extend your life and add longevity to an already long list of benefits.

Protein & Longevity

When we eat meat, we get tons of different vitamins.

Meat provides us with B vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium, which are essential for our overall health.

Experts agree that it’s better to get vitamins from actual food when possible instead of supplements.

Yes, protein is needed to grow and mature. However, the science community is now saying that protein is even more important as we get older.

Why? Because the body declines as we age.

The essential vitamins and minerals in meat protect our muscles and bones from early deterioration.

But the above vitamins and minerals aren’t the star of this show.

The Immortal Amino Acid

The new study that came out highlights one particular amino acid: Taurine.

Yes, taurine is all around today.

If you don’t know, taurine is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid. It’s mainly concentrated in your brain, eyes, heart, and muscles.

The main functions of taurine include:

-maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance in your cells
-forming bile salts, which play an important role in digestion
-regulating minerals such as calcium within your cells
-supporting the general function of your central nervous system and eyes
-regulating immune system health and antioxidant function

However, the study emphasizes getting taurine in its natural forms first. Supplements can be used if you need more, but they should be a secondary source–not the primary.

Here’s what the study found out about longevity:

Taurine levels decrease by 80% as we age.

Taurine is needed when we get sick, and as we age, we are more susceptible to getting ill.

What else happens as we get older? We also eat less. This means less taurine.

How does this apply to longevity? Let’s take a look at the science.

The study found that taurine increased the median lifespan of mice by 10% to 12% and decreased age-related weight gain by 10%, too.

Scientists have concluded that eating foods rich in taurine can help us significantly.

The Best Sources of Taurine

Supplements are fine, but food is preferred to get taurine.

Taurine is abundant in meat, dairy, and fish–and studies show cooking food doesn’t affect a food's taurine content.

The best sources of taurine include:

-Scallops
-Tuna
-Tilapia
-Octopus
-Turkey
-Chicken
-Seaweed
-Beef

You don't need to worry about heart health regarding meat consumption.

As long as you’re getting grass-fed, organic sources and avoiding the processed crap, you’re good.

Take a look at this study on how taurine (found in meat) positively helps the heart by decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease.

Also, regarding any type of fish, never buy farmed. Farmed fish is trash. You always want to go for freshwater or freshly caught.

Sushi gets my vote for upping my taurine intake.

The BMM Takeaway

Undoubtedly, protein is essential for our health, well-being, and physique goals.

This new research regarding taurine can also help us live longer. It's just another reason to consume enough protein and count our macros.

Adding more taurine to your diet can support heart health, help lower the risk of diabetes, and improve muscular endurance by protecting your muscles from cell damage.

As always, do your research and ensure you’re not going overboard with this amino acid.