{
  "id": 17758,
  "title": "Eating less protein could help you live longer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/31/eating-less-protein-could-help-you-live-longer",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-07-31T15:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Scientific American",
    "slug": "scientific-american",
    "url": "https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/eating-less-protein-could-help-you-live-longer/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The latest research published in Cell Press Blue suggests that reducing protein intake could help you live longer. Despite the popularity of the \"protein maxxing\" trend on social media, studies show that many Americans already consume an adequate amount of protein in their diets. In a review of over 350 previous studies, researchers found that while the typical human diet contains about 17% of its calories from protein, mice given diets with protein levels as low as 5 to 8% had longer lifespans. Essential amino acids, required for growth and maintenance, can become harmful in excess. A study published in Nature Aging showed that cutting down on the amino acid valine could increase median lifespan in male mice by 23%, or half a year, while also reducing frailty, adipose tissue, and cancer risk. Some experts believe that restricting protein intake could offer similar lifespan extension benefits as overall calorie restriction, though practical implementation is challenging. The researchers hypothesize that this effect may be linked to an increase in FGF21, a hormone that boosts energy expenditure by triggering the production of mitochondria in white adipose tissue cells. This process can lead to burning off excess fat, potentially reducing the risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.",
  "summary": "While “protein maxxing” is all the rage, reducing your protein intake could add years to your life",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}