Eating more meat may be beneficial to the body, a new study from McMaster University in Canada shows, Fox News reported. According to the results, foods of animal origin are not associated with a higher risk of death, and animal proteins may even have a protective effect against cancer-related mortality.

The researchers analyzed data from nearly 16,000 people aged 19 and over, examining how much animal and plant protein they typically consume. They also checked whether these dietary patterns were associated with the risk of death from conditions such as heart disease or cancer. The results showed that higher intake of animal proteins does not increase the risk of death, and a “modest but significant reduction” in cancer-related mortality was even observed.

The study found no links between total protein intake—animal or plant—and the risk of death from any cause. When plant and animal proteins were analyzed separately, the results remained consistent: plant proteins have minimal impact on cancer mortality, while animal proteins may offer a slight protective effect.

The conclusions, published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, according to the authors support including animal proteins as part of a healthy diet.

The study’s lead, Professor Stuart Phillips, chair of the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, commented that there is “a great deal of confusion” around proteins—how much to consume, what type, and what that means for long-term health. “This study brings clarity, which is important for anyone trying to make informed, evidence-based decisions about their diet,” Phillips said. He emphasized that the analysis used “the most rigorous gold standards” to assess dietary intake and mortality risk, allowing daily fluctuations in protein intake to be accounted for and presenting a more accurate picture of long-term eating habits.

Chief researcher Yani Papanikolaou, president of Nutritional Strategies, added that when observational data and clinical trials are both taken into account, “it becomes clear that both animal and plant protein foods support health and longevity.”

The study was funded by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, with the researchers noting that the organization did not participate in the design, collection and analysis of the data or in the publication of the results. | BGNES