We’ve reached a stage where it’s now possible to buy a protein-enhanced version of virtually anything. And with so many options available, this leads us to ask: does it really matter where you get your protein from?

Increasingly, the research suggests yes. Research published in The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition found that women who consume higher amounts of protein – especially from plant-based sources – develop fewer chronic diseases and are more likely to be healthier overall as they age.

A couple of years ago, the American Heart Association presented a paper that suggested that eating a range of different protein sources could also be helpful. They found that people who the highest variety of protein sources had a 66% lower risk of developing high blood pressure, suggesting that protein variety is the key to health.

Those studies might sound like they contradict each other, but the key here is about eating a varied, balanced diet which allows you to get the full gamut of amino acids – the building blocks that make up protein molecules.

Does it matter where you get your protein from? The benefits of animal and plant protein explained