Risky Benefits and Beneficial Risks of Animal Protein

Abstract

The importance of protein as a source of essential macronutrients cannot be overstressed. Adequate amounts of protein in diets have been shown to reduce weight, improve cardiometabolic risk factors, attenuating fat-free mass and waist circumference and markers of blood glucose. Unfortunately, higher animal protein has been indicted with increased mortality as well as disease risks such as cancer development and cardiovascular diseases. However, the results have always remained unduplicated, creating suspicion about the authenticity of the claims. This review aims to explore established differences between plant and animal proteins and unravel the risks and benefits associated with animal proteins to provide insights into future research activities involving animal protein and its potential limitations.