Excessive protein consumption can be harmful to your health, study reveals

The search for the perfect body has led many people to adopt diets rich in proteins. However, a new study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine reveals that this trend could have serious consequences for cardiovascular health.

More than a quarter of the population of first world countries has joined the trend of high protein consumption in search of weight loss. The benefits are widely publicized: preserving and gaining muscle mass, greater satiety, better performance in the gym and even reduced stress. However, scientists warn that you need to be very careful when adhering to this diet.

According to the results of a study recently published in the scientific journal Nature Metabolism, consuming more than 22% of proteins per day significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis (a disease caused by the accumulation of fat and substances in the walls of the arteries) or worsening the case of those who already have the disease.

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^{Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are responsible for the study (Photo: reproduction/sanjeri/gettyimages Embed)}

Understand the study

In 2020, the same institution had carried out research with rats, but a clinical test was recently carried out with 23 participants, including men and women, with BMI classified as overweight. Blood tests before and after excessive protein intake revealed high levels of leucines, amino acids associated with atherosclerosis.

“High protein consumption is not a solution to improving metabolic health. We can cause damage to arteries.”warns cardiologist professor Babak Rasani from the University of Pittsburgh.

Guidance for researchers

Scientists emphasize the importance of professional monitoring when adopting high protein diets. Consulting a nutritionist or doctor is essential to ensure that protein intake is adequate and not harmful to cardiovascular health.

The search for weight loss must be done responsibly and with medical and nutritional monitoring, preferably with a balanced and responsible diet.

Featured photo: High protein diet causes risk of cardiovascular disease (Reproduction/happylark/Canva)