A study has shown that consuming more than 22% of daily calories from protein may lead to arteriosclerosis.

According to joint research by Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, consuming more than 22% of daily calories from protein activates a substance called 'plaque.' Plaque is a substance that accumulates on the arterial walls, causing arteriosclerosis (hardening and thickening of the arteries), which damages blood vessels or obstructs blood flow. Excessive accumulation of plaque increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

 

The research team conducted a dietary experiment on 11 overweight men and 12 women. Their average age was 41 years, and the average BMI was approximately 28. Among them, 14 individuals (6 men and 8 women) were given high-protein drinks, and 9 individuals (3 men and 6 women) were provided with mixed foods containing protein. The participants fasted for 12 hours before the meal. The research team conducted blood tests once at each of the following times: before the meal, 1 hour after the meal, and 3 hours after the meal.

As a result, consuming a certain amount of protein that accounts for 25g or 22% of total calories led to an increase in specific amino acids and leucine, and their increase was found to affect immune cells. Here, immune cells refer to monocytes and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells. The research team particularly identified leucine as a cause of atherosclerosis. Leucine is one of the essential amino acids mainly found in animal proteins such as meat, eggs, and dairy products, and it has the efficacy of delaying muscle breakdown through protein synthesis. However, the research team explained that excessive intake of leucine could contribute to abnormal proliferation of macrophages, potentially leading to atherosclerosis. Additionally, the team suggested that an appropriate level of protein intake should constitute 15% of the total daily calories.

 

The research team also conducted studies using laboratory mice. They fed the mice a high-protein diet using the same method and performed blood tests. The proportion of protein in the diet given to the mice was up to 45%. As a result, when the mice consumed more than 22% protein, their internal leucine levels increased.

 

Professor Bettina Mitenkorpfer of Saint Louis Washington University School of Medicine said, "This study shows that amino acids, which are components of proteins, can cause disease through specific signaling mechanisms." She added, "For example, small immune cells in the vascular system called macrophages can trigger the development of atherosclerosis."

 

Professor Barabak Rajani of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine said, "Unconditionally increasing protein intake is the wrong approach," and emphasized, "It is important to look at the overall diet, and especially for people at risk of heart disease and vascular disease, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet that does not worsen their condition."

 

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A diet focused more on vegetables rather than meat is better.

Proteins. Too much or too little, both are problematic.

 

They say it's not okay even if it's lacking..

 

Meat always makes you overeat when you consume it.

A well-balanced diet. I should take good care of it.