Eating plant-based protein may help lower the risk of chronic kidney disease - New study

A new study reveals that consuming whole food protein from plants can help reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is a severe condition that causes the malfunctioning of kidneys. It's a very sneaky illness, as those who suffer from it have no symptoms initially; however, they may experience kidney failure in the long run.

According to a recent study by the National Kidney Foundation, eating more plant-based protein on a daily basis can help lower the risk of chronic kidney disease.

The study shows that minimising animal protein intake and replacing it with plant-based alternatives may significantly lower the risk of the illness.
Healthy plant-based foods rich in protein include legumes like beans, lentils, chickpeas, and soy, as well as different kinds of nuts and seeds, and healthy Asian fermented foods like tofu and tempeh.

Proteins are made with essential amino acids, essential building blocks for human body cells. Even though plant-based foods may have lower biological value, combining them with similar foods provides enough amino acids for the cells to grow.

The researchers analysed medical history, food habits and lifestyle data from 117,809 participants available on Biobank. The team primarily analysed the protein intake of the participants and came to the conclusion that people who ate more plant-based protein and animal-free foods were less likely to develop chronic kidney disease.

Even though the study gives promising results for a plant-based protein diet, the scientists agree with the study's limitations and suggest more research and medical evidence are needed to prove a better role of plant-based proteins in human health.