Insulin-like growth factor 1 is considered to be of cardinal importance for cancer expansion,989 so downregulating IGF-1 activity not only has the potential to slow the aging process990 but may be a way to turn anti-aging genes against cancer.991 IGF-1 is cranked up on high-protein diets and by animal protein in particular. This helps explain the benefits of more plant-oriented eating,992 as well as why consuming a diet with a relatively low proportion of protein is considered critical for lifelong health.
