So, you’re still eating meat—beef, pork, poultry, fish—like it’s no big deal? Well, let me give you two major reasons to rethink what’s on your plate: IGF-1 and mTOR. Sounds like the names of evil robots from a sci-fi movie, right? But these two biological mediators are very real, and they’re highly linked to aging and cancer risk.
Let’s break it down before you zone out:
- IGF-1 stands for Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, and
- mTOR stands for Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin.
Okay, did I lose you? Come back! These tongue-twisting molecules are all about growth—great when you’re a kid, but not so great when you’re older. Why? Because past a certain point, you don’t want your cells growing like weeds. That’s how cancer cells thrive. Instead of gracefully aging like a fine wine, these guys keep telling your body, “Let’s build! Let’s expand!”—even when the blueprint is all wrong. The result? Increased risk of cancer, inflammation, and a shorter lifespan.
So, how do we put these overactive biological contractors out of business? Simple: cut down on animal protein—or better yet, eliminate it altogether. Yep, I said less protein, but don’t freak out! I’m specifically talking about animal protein. You know, the kind people assume is the only way to “get their protein.” The same kind that waiters expect you to pick for your salad or smoothie, as if a meal without meat or extra plant protein is some tragic oversight.
Here’s what people need to understand:
- Animal protein is NOT essential. You won’t shrivel up and fade away without it.
- Plants have protein! Some more than others, sure, but you’ll get what you need.
Still not convinced? Let’s talk about what you’re actually signing up for when you chow down on animal protein:
- A side of trans fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol (hello, heart disease—the #1 killer in America).
- Extra work for your kidneys (who already have enough to do, thank you very much).
- A lovely dose of inflammatory compounds like heme iron, TMAO, and Neu5Gc (things your body definitely does not want).
- And, of course, skyrocketing IGF-1 and mTOR activity, accelerating aging and disease.
Put all of this together, and what do you get? A higher risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and dementia. Not exactly the retirement plan you were hoping for, huh?
Want to dive deeper into the science of not aging like an overripe banana? Check out Dr. Michael Greger’s book, How Not to Age. I’ve also linked a great resource where he discusses these topics in more detail.
Your future self will thank you. Your steak, however, might hold a grudge.
If you want to zero in on the protein discussion by Dr. Greger, it starts at 12 minutes, 32 sec.