Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 02, 2024 1 month, 3 weeks, 4 days, 2 hours, 38 minutes ago
Diets And Nutrition: The popularity of plant-based meat substitutes, often marketed as healthier and more sustainable alternatives to traditional meat, has skyrocketed in recent years. These products aim to replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of meat while appealing to vegetarians, vegans, and health-conscious consumers. However, a recent study by the Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI) that is covered in this
Diets And Nutrition news report, reveals that these substitutes may not be the best choice for diabetics.
Plant-Based Meat Substitutes: Diabetics Beware
The Study: Investigating Health Impacts
The study involved an eight-week investigation involving 82 participants. The participants were divided into two groups: one following an animal-based meat diet (ABMD) and the other a plant-based meat diet (PBMD). The animal-based group received various meat products such as beef mince, pork mince, chicken breast, burger patties, sausages, and chicken nuggets. The plant-based group consumed products from popular brands including Impossible Foods, OmniFoods, The Vegetarian Butcher, and Beyond Meat.
Monitoring Methods: Comprehensive Health Assessments
To thoroughly assess the impact of these diets, participants underwent several health monitoring procedures. These included continuous glucose monitoring over three days and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. These methods provided a detailed picture of the participants' cardiometabolic health, which encompasses heart health, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Key Findings: No Advantage for Plant-Based Meat
Contrary to the researchers' expectations, the study found no significant health benefits of the plant-based meat diet over the animal-based meat diet. Surprisingly, the group on the animal-based diet exhibited better glycemic control, an essential factor in managing diabetes.
Detailed Results: Cardiometabolic Health Comparison
Participants on the animal-based meat diet showed superior glycemic management compared to those on the plant-based diet. This finding is crucial for the 9.5% of the population with diabetes. The animal-based group also had a better balance of key nutritional elements, contributing to their overall better health outcomes.
-Nutritional Profile: Plant-Based vs. Animal-Based Diets
The study revealed significant differences in the nutritional profiles between the two diets. Participants consuming plant-based meat substitutes had higher intake levels of total fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sodium, and potassium. These differences in nutrient intake likely contributed to their poorer glucose regulation.
-Breakdown of Nutritional Differences:
Total Fat: The plant-based group consumed more total fat compared to the animal-based group, which can impact glucose metabolism negatively.
;
Carbohydrates: Higher carbohydrate intake in the plant-based group can lead to increased blood sugar levels, challenging glycemic control.
-Dietary Fiber:
While dietary fiber is beneficial, the type and source matter. The plant-based products had higher fiber content, which did not necessarily translate to better health outcomes.
-Sodium and Potassium:
Elevated levels of these minerals in the plant-based group could affect blood pressure and overall heart health.
Continuous Monitoring: Glycemic Control Insights
During the three-day continuous glucose monitoring, participants on the animal-based diet showed better glycemic control. The study measured interstitial glucose time in range, a critical indicator for diabetes management. The animal-based group had a higher median percentage of time within the target glucose range compared to the plant-based group.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring: Detailed Observations
The 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring revealed some interesting patterns. Although there were no significant differences in overall blood pressure levels between the groups, the nocturnal dip in diastolic blood pressure was more pronounced in the animal-based diet group. This dip is often associated with better cardiovascular health.
Implications for Diabetics: Choosing the Right Diet
For diabetics, managing blood sugar levels is critical to preventing complications. This study indicates that plant-based meat substitutes might not be the best option for glycemic control. The findings suggest that while reducing red meat consumption is advisable, replacing it with plant-based meat analogues might not offer the expected health benefits for diabetics.
Call for Improved Plant-Based Products
The research team emphasized the need for better formulation of plant-based meat substitutes, especially for those with heightened cardiometabolic health risks. Current plant-based meat products often contain higher amounts of low-quality carbohydrates, which can negatively impact glycaemic control. Reformulating these products to include higher-quality ingredients could make them more suitable for diabetics.
Conclusion: Balanced Diets for Better Health
While plant-based meat substitutes have their advantages, especially for environmental sustainability, they may not be the healthiest choice for everyone, particularly those with diabetes. This study underscores the importance of a balanced diet rich in traditional plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes. For diabetics, maintaining a diet that supports good glycaemic control is essential.
Final Thoughts
The study's findings highlight that not all plant-based foods offer the same health benefits. Traditional plant-based diets, which are well-documented for their health advantages, differ significantly from diets based on plant-based meat substitutes. As the food industry continues to innovate, there is a clear opportunity to enhance the nutritional profile of these products, making them a healthier choice for everyone.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916524003964
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/health-news-the-hidden-dangers-of-plant-based-meat-substitutes-why-they-may-be-more-unhealthy-than-you-think
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/diabetes-news-chrononutrition-study-shows-consuming-breakfast-after-9-am-increases-the-risk-of-developing-type-2-diabetes-by-59-percent
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/diets-and-nutrition-new-study-shockingly-reveals-that-intermittent-fasting-could-lead-to-infertility-issues
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