#097 The Science of Protein and Its Role in Longevity, Cancer, Aging, and Building Muscle
Episode description
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Protein is far more than a building block for muscle—it’s essential for metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and preventing conditions like type 2 diabetes and sarcopenia. But how much do we truly need? And could too much protein, especially from meat, actually be harmful? This episode challenges the conventional RDA of 0.8 g/kg, presenting research that supports higher intakes of 1.2–2 g/kg for maintaining muscle, improving body composition, and promoting longevity. We also confront myths around protein timing and the so-called "anabolic window.” Lastly, we address concerns about protein’s links to cancer, heart disease, and kidney function, showing how exercise can redirect growth factors like IGF-1 to promote repair while mitigating risks.
Timestamps:
- (00:00) Download my “How to Train” guide
- (00:51) Introduction
- (03:32) Why muscle matters
- (05:57) Why do we lose muscle?
- (07:31) How to negate anabolic resistance
- (08:24) Why it's never too late to build muscle
- (09:05) Requirements for overweight & obese individuals
- (09:52) Exposing the flaws of the RDA
- (11:12) Optimal intake when resistance training
- (11:55) What to do when losing weight
- (13:08) Does protein harm healthy kidneys?
- (14:59) How important is distribution?
- (17:11) Debunking the "anabolic window"
- (18:48) Benefits of pre-sleep intake
- (20:20) Timing & distribution takeaways
- (21:01) What are the best sources?
- (24:05) Animal vs. plant protein
- (26:27) Protein supplements (whey, casein, & collagen)
- (27:57) Does high intake accelerate aging?
- (31:32) Why exercise changes the story
- (34:02) What we can learn from athletes
- (34:36) Does high intake accelerate atherosclerosis?
- (36:51) 8 key takeaways