It might be the algorithms I’m getting (I follow a lot of cooking and some exercise channels) but I’ve never seen a similar obsession about getting enough fiber (something the average person actually undereats.) Is it just less sexy than meat? How important is it nutritionally compared to other things if you’re not an athlete or a vegan or something? Why is a meal that’s “high in protein” often positioned as good and why do you need to “boost” your meals?
Source: https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/too-much-protein-health-risks
In: Biology
1. It’s marketing, baby!
2. Health advice from actual health authorities often has a bent towards the elderly and those who are already ill. It’s more common for the infirm to have protein insufficient diets (you know that “tea and toast” stereotype) due to a plethora of difficulties with meal prep, appetite, memory, dental issues, and so on.
3. It’s marketing!
4. There is a large body of research into the effects of protein on human health and unlike with fats and carbs, the results are broadly positive and less controversial. This makes it easier for a health authority to put out strong pro-protein message due to the strength of the evidence.
5. The meat and dairy industry is big business and put a lot of money into marketing and lobbying. “Red meat” may not be the in thing anymore, so if we can wheel around and have health boards promote protein *generally*, then we can keep sales up and keep the industry going.
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