New research has examined longevity rates and diet in various countries, and has shown that in countries where people eat more plant-based protein such as chickpeas, lentils, or tofu, adult life expectancies are longer. The health of young children, however, seems to benefit from easier access to meat. The findings have been reported in Nature Communications.
In this work, the researchers analyzed demographic and food supply data from 101 countries between the years of 1961 and 2018. This data included information about the quantity of food produced in a country, as well as the levels of calories, fats, and proteins that were available. The researchers also took variables like population size and income into account in their statistical analysis.
"Our study suggests a mixed picture when it comes to comparing the health impacts of meat-versus plant-based protein at a population level," said first study author Caitlin Andrews, a graduate candidate at the University of Sydney.
When it came to the health of children under the age of five, there tended to be lower rates of infant mortality when there was easy access to large amounts of proteins and fats from animals, including dairy, eggs, and meat. However, added Andres, the reverse was true for adults, and an increased consumption of plant-based proteins was linked to an increase in overall life expectancy.
A wide range of food systems and cultural habits were included in this study. Countries with high rates of animal consumption like the Australia, the US, and Sweden were included in the study, alongside countries where more plant-based foods are consumed, like Indonesia and Pakistan.
But these countries cannot be compared directly very easily, so the researchers attempted to correct for variables such as the wealth held by a population, and the size of populations.
This effort indicated that life expectancies are longer in countries such as India where plant-based protein is more readily available compared to animal-based protein.
Many other previous studies have linked higher rates of consumption of animal-based meats with a greater likelihood for a variety of diseases, including some types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Previous research has also shown that plant-based proteins and diets can have a positive impact on health; can help lower mortality rates; and extend life expectancy.
"Protein is a crucial part of the human diet, but as eating habits change and developed countries look to decarbonize, where we get our protein from has come under greater scrutiny," added senior study author Dr. Alistair Senior, Ph.D. "The knowledge that plant-based protein is associated with a longer life is really important as we consider not only how our diets impact our own longevity, but the health of the planet."
Sources: University of Sydney, Nature Communications