“Science has known for some time that eat too much, especially proteins, reduces lifespan; now we know why”asserts in a press release Professor Christopher Proud of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). The researcher thinks, with his team from the University of Adelaide (Australia), that he has found an explanation for this phenomenon:acceleration of protein synthesis. Their results were published in the journal Current Biology February 14th.
Essential macronutrients
To reach their conclusions, the scientists used worms and flies living in fruit to study theinfluence of diet on the rate of protein synthesis. The latter, whether of animal or vegetable origin, are broken down by the body into amino acids, which are used to build new proteins. These will constitute the heart of our cells. Proteins are thus essential to the functioning of the body: they participate in the renewal of the skin, nails, hair, muscle tissue, defend the body against diseases, are essential for growth…
To consume moderately
But in too large a quantity, in a high protein diet for example, protein is said to have an unhealthy impact on health. “Our team has demonstrated that increased nutrient levels accelerate protein synthesis in cellsexplains Christopher Proud. The faster this process, the more errors there are”.
In fact, the more protein there is in the body, the more the body has to “rush” to form the new proteins that make up our cells. While he usually has time to correct the synthesis errors, this protective mechanism disappears. Defective proteins then accumulate, creating health problems and decreasing life expectancy. “It’s similar to everyday activities like driving: the faster you go, the more likely you are to get it wrong”illustrates the professor.
The Australian researchers therefore advise returning to a more balanced diet, rich in “good” carbohydrates. They have “bad press, especially when it comes to diets”they point out, but “Consuming high-fiber carbohydrates, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed grains and seeds, will have the greatest health benefits”. They cite the mediterranean dietknown for its longevity benefits.
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