Study: High-Protein Diet Increases Risk of Heart Disease

Most health experts say that the average adult doesn't consume enough protein in his or her diet. Typically found in meats and nuts, this vital nutrient is responsible for building and repairing cellular tissue. Without protein, our bodies wouldn't be able to repair damaged muscle mass. However, a new study has found that people who follow a high-protein diet are more likely to develop heart disease than their counterparts who follow a low-protein diet.

The study, conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), found that people who consume high levels of protein in their diet had higher rates of heart disease than people who consumed the least amount. For the study, researchers followed more than 2,400 men over the course of several decades while paying close attention to their protein intake and heart health.

At the end of the multi-decade study, researchers found that participants who consumed the most amount of dairy protein were 49% more likely to develop heart disease than participants who consumed the least amount. Overall, researchers say that increased protein intake was directly correlated with heart disease risk.

For the longest time, it was believed that only animal-based protein contributed to heart disease. Whether it's beef, pork or lamb, animal-based protein often contains high levels of saturated fat, thereby causing plaque buildup in the arteries and restricting the flow of blood throughout the body. However, this study found that both animal- and plant-based protein increased the risk of heart disease.

"Substituting either plant or animal protein for carbohydrates has lowered blood pressure in experimental studies. Because high blood pressure is a major risk factor for HF, protein intake could also play a beneficial role in the pathogenesis of HF, " wrote the study's researchers.

It's estimated that up to one-quarter of all deaths, globally, are attributed to heart disease. In the United States alone, more than 610,000 die from heart disease each year.

This doesn't necessarily mean that you should avoid protein in your diet. On the contrary, protein remains a vital and essential nutrient for proper health. The key thing to remember is that you should create and follow a balanced diet. There's nothing wrong with eating meat- or animal-based protein, but you should diversify your diet by including an array of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. When combined with regular exercise, you can minimize your risk of heart disease to live a healthier, happier and longer life.