We all know how important protein is for our body because it helps in building and repairing muscles. It also helps promote weight loss and increase satiety. However, there is a catch.
Several studies have found that eating too much protein, which exceeds the recommended dietary allowance, could increase the risk of certain health issues, including cancer.
Diets rich in protein, such as red meat, are often associated with an increased risk of GI cancers. However, eating protein for plant-based sources has been associated with a decreased cancer risk. Experts believe that protein from animal-based products, including red meat, contains fat and certain carcinogens that could cause cancer.
A recent study, published in Cell Metabolism, has found that consuming too much protein on a daily basis could increase your cancer risk by more than three times, while meat lovers are more likely to die from cancer and other medical conditions.
In the United States, daily protein requirements are reported in two ways: Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).
“The EAR is the amount needed to meet the protein requirements of half of all healthy people, whereas the RDA is the amount needed to maintain the health of 97 to 98 percent of individuals in groups according to age and gender,” according to USDA guidelines.
The daily EAR for an adult is 0.66 grams of protein for every 2 pounds of weight, while the RDA for an adult is 0.8 grams of protein for every 2 pounds of body weight.
The RDA for men is 56 grams of protein daily and for women is 46 grams protein daily.
The study, however, noted that the amount of carbohydrates and fat did not seem to increase the risk of cancer. The takeaway is simple – cut down your protein intake if you are consuming it too much, especially from red meat, cheese or dairy. You can choose plant-based proteins because they have been found to decrease your overall risk of health issues.
