(Protein) It's good for you, but... consuming more than 'this standard' can cause blood vessel problems.

A study has found that consuming more than 22% of your total daily calories from protein can lead to arteriosclerosis.

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

 

The research team conducted a dietary experiment on 11 overweight men and 12 overweight women. Their average age was 41, and their average BMI was approximately 28. Of these, 14 participants (6 men and 8 women) were provided with a high-protein beverage, while 9 participants (3 men and 6 women) were provided with a mixed food containing protein. The participants fasted for 12 hours prior to the meal. The research team conducted blood tests on the participants once each at the times of ▲before the meal, ▲1 hour after the meal, and ▲3 hours after the meal.

As a result, consuming 25g of protein, or an amount accounting for 22% of total calories, led to an increase in specific amino acids and leucine, and this 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 specifically identified leucine as a cause of atherosclerosis. Leucine is one of the essential amino acids primarily found in animal proteins such as meat, eggs, and dairy products, and it has the effect of slowing down muscle breakdown through protein synthesis. However, the research team explained that excessive consumption of leucine can contribute to the abnormal proliferation of macrophages, potentially leading to atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the team suggested that 15% of total daily calories constitute an appropriate proportion of protein intake.

 

The research team also conducted a study using laboratory mice. Using the same method, the team fed the mice a high-protein diet and performed blood tests. Protein accounted for up to 45% of the diet given to the mice. As a result, leucine levels in the mice also increased when they consumed more than 22% protein.

 

"This study shows that amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, can cause disease through specific signaling mechanisms," said Bettina Mittendorfer, a professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "For example, small immune cells in the blood vessels called macrophages can trigger the onset of atherosclerosis."

 

Professor Babak Rajani of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Unconditionally increasing protein intake is the wrong approach Saying, "We need to examine the overall diet, and especially For people at risk of heart disease and vascular disease Without worsening this It is important to eat a balanced diet. He said.

 

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A diet focused on vegetables rather than meat is better.

Protein. Too much or too little—both are a problem.

 

They say it won't work even if it's insufficient..

 

Whenever I eat meat, I always end up eating too much.

A balanced diet. I really need to make sure to take good care of it.