Higher levels of protein intake may lower the risk of hip fractures in seniors, according to a study published in Osteoporosis International.

A team of researchers from the Institute of Aging Research of Hebrew SeniorLife located in Boston enrolled 946 elderly participants in the Framingham Osteoporosis, which examined the effects of consuming higher amounts of protein.

The results of the study showed that individuals who had the lowest protein intake were 50 percent more likely to suffer from hip fractures.

While other studies have found that protein intake is associated with an increase in bone mineral density, the researchers from this study stated that higher intake of protein also builds strong muscles in the legs, which lowers the possibility of falling and suffering a hip fracture.

Marian T. Hannan, lead author and co-director at the Musculoskeletal Research Program at the Institute for Aging Research, stated that “[the] study participants who consumed higher amounts of protein in their diet were significantly less likely to suffer a hip fracture,”

People who wish to add more protein to their daily diet can benefit from consuming fish, leaner meats, dairy products as well as different types of beans, which are all high sources of protein, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.