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Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
"Healthy" Habit Could Decrease Lifespan, Experts Say
Getting 10,000 steps a day. Improving your VO2 max. Putting berries on your breakfast. What are the habits you embrace in an effort to live a long, healthy life? Certainly it's the routines we do regularly that impact our health the most. But there's one well-intentioned habit in particular that longevity experts say can actually take years off your life instead of adding more to it: eating too much animal-based protein. Thought a high-protein diet was a good thing? As doctors explain here, getting too much can backfire. Why Overemphasizing Protein Isn't Actually Healthy Before we get into why too much protein isn't good for longevity, it's important to note that the nutrient is absolutely important. Dr. Suzanne J. Ferree, who is double-board-certified in family medicine and anti-aging and regenerative medicine, told HuffPost that it's especially important to get enough as we age. 'The common theory is that we need to cut protein-rich foods as we age, but the research actually only supports this in younger people, not in those of us over 50,' Ferree said. Scientific research backs this up, showing that older adults need more protein than younger adults because our bodies naturally lose muscle as we age. So yes, protein is absolutely important. How much protein a person needs each day varies based on one's individual health and needs, but the Food and Drug Administration recommends aiming for 50 grams of protein a day as part of a 2,000-calorie diet. The problem is that many people are eating more protein than they need. On top of that, Americans are overconsuming a specific type of protein that isn't all that healthy. In general, there are two types of proteins: animal-based proteins and plant-based proteins. Research has shown that plant-based proteins are healthier than animal-based proteins. Unfortunately, Americans are consuming more of the latter than the former. 'A common mistake is the overemphasis on consuming a high-protein diet, particularly one rich in animal-based proteins, with the belief that it is essential for longevity and muscle preservation. Many people assume that the more protein they consume, the healthier they will be, leading to an overconsumption of animal products like meat, dairy and eggs,' said Dr. Monisha Bhanote, a quintuple-board-certified physician and longevity expert. Most Americans are eating about 100 grams of protein a day, double the recommended amount. According to a Dietary Guidelines for Americans report, 75% of Americans meet or exceed the recommendation for meat, poultry and eggs. Bhanote says this is exactly what can take years off one's life. 'Excessive consumption of animal-based proteins can actually accelerate aging and undermine cellular health, contrary to popular belief,' she said. She explained that the biggest reasons for this come down to two harmful compounds: advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). 'AGEs are harmful compounds that form when proteins or fats combine with sugar in the bloodstream,' Bhanote said. She explained that animal-based foods — especially if they are grilled, fried or roasted — are high in AGEs. Research shows that these compounds can accumulate in your tissues and, over time, can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key drivers of cellular aging. 'AGEs damage proteins, DNA and other vital cellular structures, accelerating the aging process and contributing to chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's,' Bhanote said. What about TMAO? Bhanote explained that elevated levels of TMAO have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke — all of which obviously are not good for longevity. 'TMAO promotes the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries and impairs the body's ability to remove it, leading to inflammation and further damage to the cardiovascular system. This not only compromises heart health but also affects overall cellular function and longevity,' Bhanote said. Related to the mistake many people make of overemphasizing protein in their diet, Raghav Sehgal, a Ph.D. student and Gruber fellow at Yale University whose research focuses on human aging, told HuffPost that one common mistake people make when it comes to longevity is focusing on 'miracle diets' promising fast results. The biggie that's relevant here: the ketogenic diet, which prioritizes fat and protein while minimizing carbohydrates. For many people doing keto, meat and eggs are hero foods; however, as previously explained, eating too many animal products can take years off your life. So, how should we approach protein with an eye toward longevity? Bhanote and Sehgal are of the same mind about this: Eat more protein-rich plants and fish. While fish certainly isn't a plant, it is thought of differently than animal-based proteins because it has a completely different nutritional makeup than meat, and scientific research has repeatedly shown benefits to human health when consumed regularly. Eating fish regularly has been associated with reducing the risk of premature death by 12%. Sehgal explained that plant-based proteins (such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, soy, nuts and seeds) are loaded with antioxidants, fiber and nutrients that keep our hearts healthy, reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. 'These foods are naturally low in AGEs and do not contribute to TMAO production, making them much gentler on your cells and overall health,' Bhanote added. Scientific studies show that having a diet that prioritizes plant-based proteins lowers the risk of mortality associated with cardiovascular disease and other causes. In other words, replacing animal proteins with plant proteins can add years to your life. While most Americans meet or exceed the protein recommendation for meat, poultry and eggs, 90% of Americans aren't meeting the recommended guidelines for seafood. Sehgal told HuffPost that seafood high in protein and unsaturated fats supports brain health, promotes hormone balance and helps fight inflammation — all of which contribute to longevity. Again, no one is disputing that protein is important. It's crucial to get enough and, as Ferree pointed out, it's especially important to get enough as we age. But other nutrients are important too, which is why Sehgal said the best diet for longevity is a balanced one that includes a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods. The benefit of eating a balanced diet full of plants certainly isn't revolutionary news, but it is backed up by many scientific studies. When it comes to longevity — and health in general — science-backed wins out over trendy and new. HuffPost.
Buzz Feed
01-08-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Longevity Experts' Best Breakfast For Long Life
According to scientific research, if you make healthy eating a regular, normal thing, it can increase how long you live up to a full decade — that's major. Considering that humans are creatures who favor routine, there's a good chance that what you eat and drink is the same every morning. Maybe your coffee pot is set to start brewing while you're still snoozing and you pour yourself a bowl of cereal while you're still rubbing sleep out of your eyes. If you're going to have the same meal on repeat every morning, it's worth it to make sure it's one that adds years to your life, playing into the aforementioned stat. We asked top longevity experts what they eat for breakfast for inspiration, which they share here along with tips for ensuring your breakfast adds years to your life. What Longevity Experts Eat For Breakfast Dr. Suzanne J. Ferree, who is double-board certified in family medicine and anti-aging and regenerative medicine, and Raghav Sehgal, a Ph.D. student and Gruber Fellow at Yale University whose research focuses on human aging, both told HuffPost that they start their day with veggies and eggs. 'I eat baked, pasture-raised egg bites with mixed organic, colorful vegetables cooked with organic pure olive or avocado oil,' Ferree shared. Sehgal's breakfast is similar: a veggie omelet made with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms and, sometimes, a little cheese. 'I usually pair it with a side of avocado or some smoked salmon if I'm feeling fancy,' he added. Both of the experts say an egg/veggie breakfast is loaded with nutrients scientifically connected to longevity. 'This kind of breakfast is great because it's loaded with protein, which is great for your musculoskeletal health. The veggies add a bunch of vitamins and antioxidants, as well as fiber, which are great for gut health. Additionally, the healthy fats from the avocado or salmon are awesome for your cardiac and cognitive health,' Sehgal said. One scientific study that took into account more than 18,000 adults found that eating eggs regularly was not only linked to a lower mortality rate, but that it significantly lowered total mortality. As for veggies, you probably won't be surprised to hear that a veggie-forward diet is linked to lowering the risk for many chronic diseases that can threaten lifespan. Dr. Monisha Bhanote, a quintuple board-certified physician and longevity expert, also incorporates veggies into her breakfast, but she does it in a different way than Sehgal and Ferree. 'Two breakfasts I enjoy regularly are coconut yogurt topped with hemp seeds and blueberries, which is quick and easy, and baked purple sweet potato with cashew miso dressing, which is both satisfying and deeply nourishing,' she told HuffPost. Purple sweet potatoes are a staple in Okinawa, a 'Blue Zone' where it's common to live into the triple digits and still be in good health. This specific type of tuber is high in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoids (antioxidants) that help protect against chronic inflammation. The cashew miso dressing Bhanote drizzles on top provides protein and unsaturated fats. When Bhanote opts for coconut yogurt for breakfast, she gets her protein from the yogurt and hemp seeds. 'Hemp seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in an optimal ratio, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation,' Bhanote said. She also pointed out that the probiotics in coconut yogurt promote a healthy gut microbiome, which helps reduce inflammation and supports a strong immune system, which are both essential for longevity. The blueberries are high in fiber and antioxidants, which help protect against chronic inflammation. In general, all three experts say that avoiding ultra-processed foods and fatty meats (like sausage or bacon) at breakfast is one big way to ensure your morning meal is adding years to your life instead of subtracting them. Scientific research shows that a diet high in ultra-processed foods is directly linked to reducing lifespan. Similarly, eating red or processed meat regularly increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. All three experts say minimizing added sugar at breakfast is another way to add years to your life. That means avoiding sugary cereals, flavored yogurts and pastries. 'For a longevity-supporting breakfast, focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide a balance of healthy fats, proteins and complex carbohydrates. Incorporate plenty of antioxidants from fruits like berries, healthy fats from nuts, seeds, or avocados and fiber-rich vegetables or whole grains,' Sehgal advised. He also said that including probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or miso, as Bhanote's breakfast does, can support gut health, which plays a critical role in overall well-being and longevity. It comes to no surprise that plants reign supreme when it comes to the breakfasts of choice for longevity experts. Consider this a reminder to get your fill of them in the morning. While vegetables are often regulated to lunch and dinner, incorporating them into your breakfast along with an unprocessed protein source is a science-backed way to increase your lifespan. Starting your morning by adding years to your life? Not too shabby of a way to start the day. Use it to set the tone and keep the longevity-supporting habits coming. With hope, you'll be doing them for many, many years to come. HuffPost.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wichita to host first internet ‘airport' in Kansas
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A new internet project near Wichita State University is expected to bring faster, more reliable service to homes, schools, and businesses throughout south-central Kansas. On Thursday, Wichita State leaders joined state officials and representatives from the nonprofit Connected Nation to break ground on Kansas's first 'carrier-neutral' Internet Exchange Point (IXP). The facility, which will be located across from WSU's Eck Stadium, is expected to be completed by spring 2026. 'We're committed to solving the digital divide in all its expressions,' Tom Ferree, the chairman and CEO of Connected Nation, said. Ferree explained that although many people think they're already using local internet, much of that traffic is actually routed through cities like Denver or Kansas City. The new internet hub will help local networks connect directly with major companies like Google, Microsoft, and Netflix, which will improve speeds and reduce delays, especially during high-demand times. 'Our intention is to establish the first carrier-neutral internet exchange point in Kansas—one of 14 states that does not currently have one,' Ferree said. The project is funded by a $5 million grant from the State of Kansas. It is designed to benefit Wichita and rural areas that often struggle with slower or more expensive internet access. 'This is no different than when the internet first came,' Tonya Witherspoon, the associate vice president of workforce development and industry engagement at WSU, said. 'The changes this will offer to our community and our state—I'm very excited for what this provides us in infrastructure.' Witherspoon said the IXP will work like an airport for internet traffic, reducing the number of 'hops' data has to make by keeping it closer to home. Kansas universities' tuition going up 'Right now in Kansas, all of our data traffic takes 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 hops to get to where it needs to go—and the first hop is out of the state,' she said. 'So every time you're on your computer sending data anywhere, the first transmission is outside of the state—even if you are trying to send something within the state.' Once complete, the new exchange will help internet providers operate more efficiently, lower costs, and give users a faster, more secure experience. 'This opens the market for, you know, a lot more internet service providers to have direct connections and not have to pay for more transport fees and all of that,' Witherspoon said. 'Plus, this will mean that content networks and other large hyperscalers will want to put their data closest to our IEP.' The Wichita facility will be operated by Connected Nation, which does not sell internet service but instead manages connections between providers. 'Their only job here is to provide interconnection—just to create the handshakes that are needed for data to exchange hands,' Witherspoon said. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
