The problem is that many trainers don’t differentiate between the types of protein, and the differences can be striking.
Protein intake after exercise has been shown to help with building muscle mass faster. But your choice of proteins can make a big difference in your long term health. It is very well accepted that higher intakes of animal-based proteins increase your risk of cancer.
But what about heart disease?
This particular study looked at the type of protein intake and the risk of heart disease. Here’s what they found:
- One serving per day of nuts was associated with a 30% lower risk of heart disease when compared with 1 serving per day of red meat.
- Low fat dairy lowered risk by 13% (again when compared with red meat).
- Chicken came in at a 19% lower risk.
- Fish at a 24% lower risk.
However, given that this study was performed in the US, we have to assume that the authors were looking at the corn fed, abused, antibiotic-laden livestock grown here vs organic, grass fed or wild game, which would definitely change the results.
Regardless, the level of protection for the heart for the nuts and fish is quite hefty. Macadamia nut encrusted halibut anyone? Hold the mercury, of course…