Eating lots of meat and cheese in middle age is just as deadly as smoking, according to new reports based on evidence collected by scientists. In a study of thousands of men and women in the 50+ age group, research proved that those who ate the most animal protein were almost twice as likely to die early as opposed to those who ate low amounts. They were also over four times as likely to die of cancer, a figure comparable to smoking.
Researchers blame the protein found in meat and other animal products such as cheese and eggs, citing them as responsible for feeding tumors and fueling the aging of the body’s cells.
Scientists recommend that those between the ages of 50 and 60 minimize their consumption of these products and increase their intake of healthier proteins: fish, beans, and lentils. U.S. researchers recommend that someone who is between the ages of 50 and 65 and weighs around 126 pounds should limit themselves to just 45 grams of protein a day, which is roughly equal to two pork chops.