Question 117 of 433
Plant-based or high-protein? The books contradict each other.
The short answer
They disagree less than it appears. Eat mostly plants, and get enough protein. You can do both.
Dr. Michael Greger (How Not to Die, How Not to Age) and Dr. Valter Longo (The Longevity Diet) emphasize plants and moderate protein. Dr. Attia and Dr. Lyon push higher protein to protect muscle. Each is looking at a real risk: one group at cancer and heart disease in midlife, the other at frailty in old age.
A sensible resolution: build meals around vegetables, beans, and whole grains; include fish, eggs, yogurt, poultry, or soy for protein; go easy on processed and red meat; and raise your protein as you get older and whenever you are training or losing weight.
Evidence scope
CLINICAL SYNTHESIS — Plant-rich eating with sufficient protein; no single combined target is optimal for everyone.Evidence gradeJClinical judgment / author synthesisPart 9, Q117 · Part sourcesFrom Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.