Who knew Meatless Mondays can help us age more gracefully?

Recipe photo: Ali Redmond.

Living a healthy and long life is a goal you might have.

a recipe photo of the Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced Lentils

Photo:Recipe photo: Ali Redmond. EatingWell design.

And while there are some factors you cant control, there are some you could.

This index has been developed and validated using 10 attributes that reflect and are associated with the aging process.

In this article, dietitians explain how plant-based protein is linked to a longer, healthier life.

an image of the Roasted Veggie & Black Bean Bowls

Each of these can contribute to improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation and overall lower disease risk.

And those are all key factors for healthy aging.

Heres how plant proteins can help support healthy aging.

A bowl of Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced Lentils

As a reference, 1 ounce of skinless cooked chicken breast provides around 9 grams of protein.

Needless to say, high blood sugar is a public health concern.

These foods are also high in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

a recipe photo of the Marry Me Chickpeas

These nutrients help protect cells from damage and reduceinflammation, all key factors in healthy aging.

Along withresistance training, increasing protein intake can help slow this muscle loss.

Mullins AP, Arjmandi BH.Health Benefits of Plant-Based Nutrition: Focus on Beans in Cardiometabolic Diseases.Nutrients.

2023;15(18):4060. doi:10.3390/nu15184060