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Can protein shakes slow down aging?
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Proteins play a very important role in human life, because they are an irreplaceable building material for all cells of our body.
In order for the body to continuously renew its cells, it requires amino acids, which are supplied by protein.
Protein shakes have become very popular these days. If earlier such drinks could be bought in specialized stores for bodybuilders, now with the help of advertising protein drinks have become widely consumed.
And what advertisers don’t promise: protein shakes will help you lose weight, will keep you in great shape until old age, and can even act as a means of preventing cancer. Manufacturers of protein drinks claim that taking their products will help keep your muscles toned and strengthen your bones. And this applies not only to athletes, in the modern world everyone needs protein supplements – from young to old.
According to them, starting from the age of thirty, a person loses muscle mass, and by using protein whey or shakes, people have the opportunity to keep fit and maintain weight.
The so-called "healthy" cocktails have already managed to win the favor of Hollywood celebrities. Dozens of trainers recommend them to their star charges. One of the adherents of these drinks is the famous actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who actively engages in sports and drinks them to maintain muscle tone.
But are these shakes really a panacea for all ills? British scientists are warning residents of the UK about the dangers of combining protein shakes with a protein-rich diet.
This is only possible for those people who exercise daily.
Research conducted several years ago by Washington State University staff confirmed the ability of protein shakes to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and use drinks as a means of preventing stroke. The benefits of protein-rich drinks have also been found in diabetics - when consumed, positive changes occur in the patient's blood.
"In most cases, highly concentrated protein shakes cannot harm human health, the main thing is to stick to moderation. Consuming proteins in large quantities can lead to weight gain," said the study's leader, biochemist Susan Fluegel.
Jennifer Lowe, a sports dietitian at the British Dietetic Association, takes the opposite view. She believes that no unnatural mixtures can be beneficial a priori.
She also advises against emulating Hollywood celebrities who spend a lot of time in gyms to achieve the results that push ordinary people to look for an alternative to sports.
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