A new study has found that protein, whether animal or plant, does not increase the risk of dying from cancer, cardiovascular disease, or any cause at all. The study, which compared data from nearly 16,000 U.S. adults, found that people eating more animal protein actually had a small reduction in cancer-related mortality. This contradicts the narrative that animal protein automatically fuels cancer growth. While plant protein was not associated with lower mortality risk, it also showed no harm due to its broader nutrient package. The research suggests that protein in balance with a nutrient-rich diet supports rather than undermines longevity. The researchers recommend aiming for at least 100 grams of protein daily, with special attention to getting 2.5 grams of leucine (the amino acid that flips on muscle-building) at each meal.