Navigating the Protein Debate: Separating Fact from Fiction

Jeremy Colon
4 min readApr 8, 2024
Is a high-protein diet terrible for your heart?// Photo Credit: Free Pik.

We’ve all been there — bombarded with headlines that make us question everything we thought we knew about healthy eating.

The latest buzz?

A study suggests that high levels of the amino acid leucine, found in protein-rich diets, might be linked to artery hardening.

Cue the panic, right?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to breathe. Studies like these can be complex and often sensationalized.

My goal here isn’t to dismiss the research outright but to provide context and clarity so you can make informed decisions about your health and wellness journey.

The Study Breakdown

In a recent study, researchers explored the effects of protein consumption on artery health. They conducted experiments on humans and mice to understand if protein intake, particularly leucine, could impact arterial function.

The human trials involved participants consuming meals with varying protein levels, while the mouse experiments fed genetically modified mice high-protein diets.

The results seemed to suggest that higher protein intake, especially leucine-rich diets, could potentially inhibit a process called autophagy — a crucial…

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Jeremy Colon

Body Transformation Coach | Building a Better & Stronger Mind, Body, and Soul | CEO & Founder, Master Personal Trainer & Life Coach - Jeremy Colon Enterprises