In recent days, the 44th National Congress of the Italian human nutrition society concluded in Piacenza.
Every year during this event the LARNs, i.e. the ‘Reference Intake Levels of Nutrients and Energy for the Italian population’, are modified.
The subject of the speech this year was vegetable proteins, i.e. those from legumes.
To have a healthy diet, the reference interval for proteins has been raised from the percentage of 12-18% to the percentage of 12-20% of the total energy intake.
And more than quantitative change, qualitative change is required. That is, increasing plant proteins to replace animal proteins. The percentage of vegetable proteins should be at least 40%.
Vegetable proteins are found in dried fruit, whole grains and especially legumes, which we basically consume little in Italy (i.e. less than one portion per week).
Adequate portions would instead be at least 3-4 per week.
Science has in fact identified how increasing the amount of plant proteins reduces mortality and the possibility of falling ill, especially with reference to cardiovascular diseases.
The portion of legumes should be intended as a second course to be alternated with meat, fish, eggs.
