The foods you need to reduce to improve heart health
The study, published in Nature Metabolism, indicates that excess protein, especially the amino acid leucine found in animal sources, triggers mTOR signalling in immune cells crucial for arterial plaque formation.
Lead author Dr. Babak Razani identified 22 per cent of daily calories from protein as a risk threshold, though some experts, like cardiologist Dr. Stephen Tang, consider the study's scale too small for definitive conclusions.
Despite reservations about the study's size, Dr. Tang noted that the findings support a growing inclination among heart specialists towards plant-forward diets for improved cardiovascular health.
Current dietary guidelines suggest protein should make up 10 to 35 per cent of daily calories, with the American Heart Association endorsing plant-based proteins and advising limits on red and processed meats.
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