The body works to achieve a balance between base and acid and gets rid of excess acid through urine. But as we get older, our kidneys are less and less capable of excreting the acid. As a byproduct of this action, the bone dissolves over time-causing it to lose mass and calcium. Decreased bone mass makes fractures more likely. While it appears that increasing vegetable protein intake and decreasing animal protein intake can decrease the risk of bone loss and hip fracture in elderly women, Sellmeyer stressed that the point of the study is not to recommend women give up eating meat or cheese.
Protein is very important in maintaining strong bones and muscles.
This study is yet another reason to eat more fruits and vegetables. The National Institutes of Health funded this study. If you wish to quote from any part of this story, please credit University Of California, San Francisco as the original source.