(Laura Brown and Kelly Rose/ The Conversation) — Plant-based diets have been popular in the media recently, but research shows that going vegetarian or vegan isn’t only good for the environment, but for our health, too. Meat-rich diets are linked to a range of health problems, from heart disease and strokes to type two diabetes and some cancers. People who eat diets high in meat have also been found to live shorter lives.
A recent US study has again shown that adults that eat diets high in animal protein are at increased risk of developing a wide range of chronic diseases. The authors recommend a plant-based protein diet to reduce these risks.
Importantly, the study is the first to investigate what effect diets high in sulphur amino acids have on our health. These are found in many foods, but are typically found in high amounts in eggs, fish, red meat and chicken. When consumed at recommended levels, sulphur amino acids play a crucial role in our body. They help our metabolism, protect cells from damage, build proteins, regulate hormones and neurotransmitters, and also help keep our livers healthy.
But eating too many foods high in sulphur amino acids can have many negative health effects. They are linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and non-alcohol fatty liver disease. And you’re at an even greater risk if you eat high levels of two particular types of sulphur amino acids, cysteine and methionine, both of which are found in high-protein foods. They are considered the most toxic amino acids, even though our body needs both of them. (…)