High animal protein intake thought to DOUBLE the risk of type 2 diabetes!

An excellent study was just published in Cell Metabolism by a team of researchers from my alma mater (USC) that analyzed the health outcomes of over 200,000 men and women and found that those with the highest animal protein intake had DOUBLE the prevalence of type 2 diabetes! This is a remarkable finding, and highlights the critical importance of consuming greater amounts of plant-based proteins in the diet. In my book Optimized I discuss the risks of animal proteins, as well as emphasize the preferable consumption of “complete” plant-based proteins (which contain all 9 of the essential amino acids that our body cannot produce internally). These “complete” protein plants include quinoa, buckwheat, chia seeds, and soy. The authors in the USC study also emphasize the key role that one essential amino acid— methionine— plays in minimizing frailty as we age. Another remarkable finding they report is that a healthy diet, when supplemented with methionine, increases GLP-1 levels! No need for injections, just add methionine! One last pearl about methionine— this essential amino acid serves as the building block for almost all proteins created in the human body. It is one of only two sulfur containing amino acids in the body, and this sulfur moiety is critical for creating bonds that link proteins together, adding structure and strength to skin, hair, nails and all connective tissues in the body! Thus, the mechanism of frailty prevention!!