A new study published in Nutrients has found that higher intake of plant protein and fiber is associated with lower levels of inflammation in the body. The research, conducted on over 128,000 participants from the UK Biobank, suggests that a diet high in animal protein and low in fiber may increase inflammation levels.
Researchers categorized participants into two groups: those with one or no chronic health conditions and those with multiple chronic diseases. They found that those who consumed higher amounts of plant protein and fiber had lower levels of inflammation, while those who ate more animal protein and less fiber experienced increased inflammation.
The study’s findings have implications for overall health and disease prevention. Consuming a diet rich in plants, including high-protein options like legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, and whole grains, may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
To incorporate more plant protein and fiber into your diet, try replacing animal protein sources with plant-based alternatives. For example, swap meat in tacos for tofu or beans, and add fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi to your meals for an extra boost of beneficial bacteria.
While the study has limitations, its findings suggest that a balanced diet that includes nutrient-dense foods can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. By making small changes to your eating habits, you may be able to reap the benefits of higher plant protein and fiber intake.
Source: https://www.eatingwell.com/foods-lower-chronic-inflammation-study-11725947