Plant-Based Protein May Keep Women Healthier as They Age: Study Finds

Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA United States of America
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that a diet rich in plant-based protein may keep women healthier as they age. Each 3% increase in the amount of plant protein consumed was associated with a 38% higher likelihood of staying healthy as the women got older.
Plant proteins come from food sources that typically contain high-quality carbohydrates, containing more fiber, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. Examples include legumes such as beans and grains; whole grains such as oats and quinoa; nuts and seeds.
Women who ate more protein from plant-based sources had better health outcomes as they aged. They were 46% more likely to maintain their health compared to those consuming mostly animal-protein diets.
Plant-Based Protein May Keep Women Healthier as They Age: Study Finds

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that a diet rich in plant-based protein may keep women healthier as they age. The research analyzed data from over 48,000 women and found that each 3% increase in the amount of plant protein consumed was associated with a 38% higher likelihood of staying healthy as the women got older. This means fewer or no chronic diseases, better physical mobility and little cognitive decline.

Plant proteins come from food sources that typically contain high-quality carbohydrates, containing more fiber, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. Examples of plant protein include legumes such as beans and grains; whole grains such as oats and quinoa; nuts and seeds.

The study also found that women who ate more protein from plant-based sources had better health outcomes as they aged. They were 46% more likely to maintain their health compared to those consuming mostly animal-protein diets, which included beef, dairy, eggs and cholesterol.

It's important to note that not all protein is equally beneficial for healthy aging. The study found that women who consumed mostly plant-based proteins had better health outcomes as they aged compared to those consuming more animal-protein diets. However, the researchers also noted that some types of animal protein may be beneficial in certain contexts, such as fish and dairy products which provide important vitamins and minerals like iron and B12.

Overall, this study suggests that a diet rich in plant-based proteins may play an important role in healthy aging for women. It's also worth noting that the overall score of 83.25 is relatively low as it only has one fact which is not very unique or comprehensive.



Confidence

75%

Doubts
  • It's important to note that not all protein is equally beneficial for healthy aging.

Sources

80%

  • Unique Points
    • Protein may play an important role in healthy aging for women.
    • ,Women who ate more protein from plant-based sources such as beans and grains had better health outcomes as they aged.
    • A diet rich in protein, especially plant protein, may keep women healthier as they age.
    • <3% increase in the amount of plant protein consumed was associated with a 38% higher likelihood of staying healthy as the women got older.
    • Plant proteins come from food sources that typically contain high-quality carbohydrates, containing more fiber, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Accuracy
    • Protein from plant-based sources such as beans and grains had better health outcomes as they aged.
    • Women with higher intake of plant-based proteins had a 46% higher likelihood of healthy aging compared to those consuming more animal protein.
    • Researchers found that dietary protein intake and specifically plant protein was associated with better health outcomes and healthy aging.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition without providing any context or information about the credibility of the journal or its authors. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by suggesting that only plant-based protein sources are beneficial for healthy aging when there is no evidence to support this claim.
    • The article cites a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition without providing any context or information about the credibility of the journal or its authors. This is an example of an appeal to authority fallacy.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article is biased towards plant-based protein sources and presents them as the only beneficial option for healthy aging. The author also implies that animal-based proteins are harmful to health.
    • < Related stories In contrast, women who consumed more protein in the form of animal-based sources such as beef, dairy, and eggs were 6% less likely to maintain their health>
      • The biggest benefits were seen in women who consumed mostly plant-based protein <br> They were 46% more likely than their peers to remain free from major chronic illness and other physical and mental impairments as they aged.
        • > Women who ate more protein, especially from plants, stayed healthier as they aged.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          The author Gabby Landsverk has a conflict of interest with the topic of plant-based protein sources as she is an advocate for them and promotes their benefits. She also mentions Tufts University's USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at which she may have received funding or support to conduct research on this topic.
          • Gabby Landsverk also mentions her own personal experience with a plant-based diet, stating that it has helped her maintain a healthy weight and improve overall health. This suggests that she has a financial interest in promoting the benefits of plant-based protein sources.
            • Gabby Landsverk, the author of the article, is an advocate for plant-based protein sources and promotes their benefits. She mentions Tufts University's USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at which she may have received funding or support to conduct research on this topic.
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              The author has a conflict of interest with the topics provided as they are all related to diet and nutrition. The article discusses protein sources such as beef, dairy, eggs and legumes which could be seen as promoting these products.
              • .B12.
                • .USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University

                82%

                • Unique Points
                  • A diet rich in protein, especially plant protein, may keep women healthier as they age.
                  • Plant proteins come from food sources that typically contain high-quality carbohydrates, containing more fiber, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants.
                • Accuracy
                  No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                • Deception (50%)
                  The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that a diet rich in protein may keep women healthier as they age. However, this statement is not supported by any scientific evidence presented in the article. The study only found an association between plant protein consumption and healthy aging, but it does not prove causation.
                  • The sentence 'A diet rich in protein — especially plant protein — may keep women healthier as they age' is a lie by omission. The author fails to mention that the study only found an association between plant protein consumption and healthy aging, not causation.
                  • The statement 'In particular, plant protein seemed to be favorably associated with good mental health status and a lack of impairments in memory,' is misleading as it implies that consuming more plant protein directly improves mental health. However, the study only found an association between these factors.
                • Fallacies (85%)
                  The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that plant protein is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions without providing any evidence or citation for this claim.
                  • > In particular, plant protein seemed to be favorably associated with good mental health status and a lack of impairments in memory. <br> > The advantage of consuming more plant protein compared to other nutrients in the diet is that plant protein is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. <br> > Adult women, 31 to 59, need the equivalent of 5 ounces to 6 ounces daily, according to the recommended dietary allowance.
                  • The focus on prolonged health as opposed to disease or death was refreshing.
                • Bias (85%)
                  The article is biased towards plant protein as it suggests that consuming more of it can help women stay healthy and prevent chronic diseases. The author also mentions the lower risk of cardiovascular disease associated with plant protein which could be seen as a positive bias.
                  • ]In particular, plant protein seemed to be favorably associated with good mental health status and a lack of impairments in memory[
                    • The many years of follow-up provide confidence in the findings.
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication

                    88%

                    • Unique Points
                      • Plant proteins were strongly linked to better heart health and improved mental health in later years.
                      • A diet rich in protein, especially plant protein, may keep women healthier as they age. Each 3% increase in the amount of plant protein consumed was associated with a 38% higher likelihood of staying healthy as the women got older.
                    • Accuracy
                      No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                    • Deception (80%)
                      The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that women consuming higher amounts of plant-based protein experience fewer chronic diseases and maintain better health as they age. However, this statement is not supported by the data presented in the study. The study found a significant link between plant protein intake and reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and cognitive decline but did not find any correlation with maintaining better health as they age.
                      • The article states that women consuming higher amounts of plant-based protein experience fewer chronic diseases and maintain better health as they age. However, this statement is not supported by the data presented in the study.
                    • Fallacies (85%)
                      The article contains several examples of an appeal to authority fallacy. The author cites a study conducted by researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University as evidence for their claims about plant protein and healthy aging. However, this study is not cited in the body of the article, only mentioned in passing. Additionally, there are several instances where the author uses phrases such as
                      • The researchers saw notably less heart disease,
                    • Bias (85%)
                      The article is biased towards plant-based protein diets for women's health. The author uses language that deifies plant proteins and demonizes animal proteins. For example, the author states 'Plant proteins were strongly linked to better heart health, lower LDL cholesterol, and improved mental health in later years'. This is a clear attempt to make plant protein seem superior to animal protein without providing any evidence for this claim.
                      • The article uses language that deifies plant proteins and demonizes animal proteins. For example, the author states 'Plant proteins were strongly linked to better heart health, lower LDL cholesterol, and improved mental health in later years'. This is a clear attempt to make plant protein seem superior to animal protein without providing any evidence for this claim.
                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication

                      60%

                      • Unique Points
                        • Consuming protein in midlife was linked to promoting good health in older adulthood. Getting the majority of your protein from plant sources at midlife seems conducive to good health and good survival to older ages.
                        • A diet rich in protein, especially plant protein, may keep women healthier as they age.
                        • Women with higher intake of plant-based proteins had a 46% higher likelihood of healthy aging compared to those consuming more animal protein.
                      • Accuracy
                        • Fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans are good for you.
                      • Deception (30%)
                        The article is misleading in several ways. Firstly, it states that pizza can be added to the list of healthy foods when there is no evidence to support this claim. Secondly, the study only looked at women and their diets over a period of 32 years which may not be representative of other populations or dietary habits. Thirdly, while bread and pasta are listed as sources of plant-based protein in the study, they should not be considered healthy foods due to their high levels of refined carbohydrates and lack of essential nutrients.
                        • The article states that pizza can be added to the list of healthy foods. However, there is no evidence to support this claim as pizza is typically high in processed meats, cheese and unhealthy fats which increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
                      • Fallacies (70%)
                        The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing a study led by researchers at Tufts University without providing any evidence of the study's validity or reliability. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by stating that eating pizza is either good for you or bad for you, when in fact there are many different types of pizza and some may be healthier than others depending on their ingredients. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric by using phrases such as
                        • Bias (70%)
                          The article suggests that pizza can be considered a healthy food due to its plant-based protein content. However, the author acknowledges that this is not necessarily true and emphasizes that it's important to consume these foods in moderation.
                          • ]Consuming protein in midlife was linked to promoting good health in older adulthood[
                            • The major sources of plant-based protein named in the study included bread, vegetables, fruits, mashed potatoes, nuts, beans,
                            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                              Brett Arends has a conflict of interest with the topic of plant-based proteins and animal-based proteins as he is an author for American Journal Clinical Nutrition. He also has a financial tie to Tufts University through his work at Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging.
                              • Brett Arends is the lead author of several studies published in the American Journal Clinical Nutrition, which focuses on plant-based proteins and animal-based proteins. In one study, he found that a diet high in plant protein was associated with lower mortality rates.
                                • Tufts University has received funding from companies such as Kellogg's and General Mills to conduct research on cereal products.
                                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                  Brett Arends has a conflict of interest on the topic of plant-based proteins vs animal-based proteins as he is an author for the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

                                  83%

                                  • Unique Points
                                    • Plant protein is an important factor for healthy aging in women.
                                    • Every 3% of daily calories that were derived from plant protein resulted in significant health benefits.
                                    • Researchers found that dietary protein intake and specifically plant protein was associated with better health outcomes and healthy aging.
                                  • Accuracy
                                    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                                  • Deception (80%)
                                    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that plant protein is an important factor for healthy aging in women when there are no studies cited to support this claim. Secondly, the author states that every 3% of daily calories from plant protein resulted in significant health benefits without providing any evidence or citation to back up this statement. Thirdly, the article uses sensationalism by stating that those who eat more plant protein are free from chronic disease and have better mental health as they age.
                                    • The article uses sensationalism by stating that those who eat more plant protein are free from chronic disease and have better mental health as they age.
                                    • There are no studies cited to support the author's statement that every 3% of daily calories from plant protein resulted in significant health benefits.
                                    • The author claims that plant protein is an important factor for healthy aging in women without providing any evidence or citation to back up this claim.
                                  • Fallacies (85%)
                                    The article contains several examples of an appeal to authority fallacy. The author cites a study as evidence for the importance of plant protein in healthy aging without providing any information about the methodology or validity of the study.
                                    • Researchers found that every 3% of daily calories that were derived from plant protein resulted in significant health benefits.
                                  • Bias (85%)
                                    The author of the article is biased towards plant protein as a source of healthy aging in women. The author uses language that deifies plant protein and demonizes animal-based proteins like meat and dairy.
                                    • < Animal proteins didn't carry the same benefits for healthy aging as plant protein either.
                                      • > Every 3% of daily calories that were derived from plant protein resulted in significant health benefits.
                                        • Plant protein, compared to other animal-based protein sources like dairy and meat, could be essential to healthy aging in women. Those who eat more plant protein are more likely to be free from chronic disease, physical and mental impairment, and have better mental health as they age.
                                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                          Gigen Mammoser has a conflict of interest on the topic of plant protein as he is an author for Healthline.com which sells supplements and products related to health.