Patriot Health Digest
According to new research, over one-third of older people are not getting as much protein as they need to keep their muscle healthy, fight age-related weight gain, stop Type 2 diabetes and prevent heart disease.
The new study looked at the dietary habits of 11,728 people over 51. The study’s scientists from Ohio State University discovered that around 40 percent of the people did not meet their protein requirements.
Around 37.7 percent of people between 51 to 60 years old did not get their protein, while 46.2 percent of people over the age of 70 got under their recommended requirements.
Why Older People Don’t Get Enough Protein
Meal skipping could be a part of the issue. In a recent study, 75 percent of adults who reached their daily protein amount had three meals each day, while around 60 percent of adults who were not getting enough routinely skipped one meal.
Hunger levels naturally go down as we age. To make this issue worse, protein-filled foods have greater satiety than carbs- or fat-filled foods. In this study, older people who did not get their requirements consumed less greens, dairy and beans, but ate more added sugars in their diet.
How Much Is Enough?
Most folks do not know the correct amount of protein which they need for their best health. In a 2016 survey, 62 percent of people believed they were getting the right amount, but just 17 percent understood that actual amount.
Current official recommendations say you should consume at least 0.36 grams of protein per pound or, for someone who is 150-pounds, 54 grams of protein.
Why Protein Is Essential
Your muscle mass impacts much more than your strength. Skeletal muscle is among the largest organ in your body and gives your main source for glucose disposal. By helping to manage blood sugar, muscle plays a huge role in the stopping of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
Your muscles can also affect your immunity and your risk of hospitalization. For example, studies show that people with cancer who have lots of muscle live longer due to tolerating their drugs better.
Strong muscles will also help you keep your mobility, independence and lower your risk of falls and bone breaks.
Author: Steven Sinclaire
