“It turns out that many of us don’t need as much protein as we eat, and this has implications for our health and aquatic ecosystems,” said the study’s lead author. Scientists say the environment can be better protected if people can reduce this amount to a healthy level.
Of course, the human body needs protein. But when the body gets more protein than it needs, the excess amino acids are broken down into nitrogen, which is primarily excreted in the urine and released into nature through the sewage system. This leads to toxic algal blooms, oxygen-deficient “dead zones” and contaminated drinking water.
Scientists have linked an increase in protein intake to population growth as well as aging: the elderly require more protein to combat muscle loss.
Source: Ferra
