This new study compares the impact of plant-based meat analogs (PBMA) and traditional animal-based meat (ABM)-based diets on the heart health of Singaporeans at high risk of type 2 diabetes. focused on.

The main question was whether replacing animal meat with PBMA would improve heart health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

In this eight-week study involving 89 participants, half were given PBMA and the other half were given animal meat. Researchers looked at levels of bad cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, among other health indicators.

They found that while there were no significant changes in cholesterol profiles with either diet, both diets were associated with improvements in some blood sugar markers.

There was no clear advantage of one diet over the other in improving heart health. However, in the small group that closely monitored their blood sugar levels, those who ate animal meat were better able to control their blood sugar levels.

Improvements in blood pressure were also observed in the animal meat group, but not in the PBMA group.

This suggests that the benefits often associated with plant-based diets may not directly apply to PBMA. This is because PBMA has different nutritional and heart health effects than whole plant foods.

Nutritional analysis showed that animal meat diets provided more protein, and PBMA was higher in sodium, potassium, and calcium.

The improved glycemic control seen in the animal meat group may be due to lower carbohydrate intake and higher protein intake.

Although protein absorption was not investigated in this study, other studies have shown that protein from PBMA is less absorbed than protein from animal meat and may have different effects on insulin and gut hormone responses. It is suggested that there is a sex.

Although PBMA is becoming a more popular protein option, the results of this study do not support the idea that these diets offer more heart and metabolic health benefits than diets containing animal meat. there is no.

It appears that adding PBMA to the diet may alter nutrient intake in ways that may negatively impact glycemic control.

This suggests that the health benefits typically associated with plant-based diets should not be assumed to apply to PBMA, given the different nutritional profiles and effects on heart and metabolic health. .

These discoveries create an opportunity for the food industry to invest in the development of new PBMAs that are not only focused on mimicking the taste and texture of meat, but are also nutritionally superior and easily absorbed by the body. It’s highlighted.

Both manufacturers and consumers can benefit by shifting the focus to improving the nutritional value and environmental sustainability of PBMA.

Two experts not involved in the study conducted interviews. Today’s medical news.

Kelsey Costa, MD, MS, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Dietitian Insights, said, “This study shows that a dietary intervention using plant-based meat analogs is more effective than an omnivorous diet compared to an omnivorous diet. and showed no significant cardiometabolic health benefits over eight weeks.”

“While this result may be unexpected for some, it is not surprising that no benefit was observed when comparing unhealthy types of ultra-processed foods to animal products,” she said. told us.

This is because “plant-based meat analogs fall into the less healthy plant-based diet index category and are unlikely to improve cardiometabolic health, but may even be more likely.” It is thought that it is. increase risk” Costa explained.

“Beyond the limited time period and small sample size, one of the major issues with this study methodology is that the plant-based meat substitutes selected for this study are high in sodium and contain reheated seed oils. “It was reported that it contained,” she added.

“This means that despite extensive fortification with essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and zinc, there are no negative effects. cardiometabolic effect Relationship between sodium and electric potential oxidative stress The benefits from consuming reheated oil may outweigh the potential benefits from the specific plant-based meat analogs used in this study.

Although there are potentially healthier plant-based meat alternatives on the market than those used in this study, consumers believe that these alternatives are still often highly processed foods. It should be noted that it should not be relied on as the main protein source in a healthy diet. diet. “

– Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN

“Conversely, a diet that minimizes plant-based foods, such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and their bioactive compounds, is associated with improved cardiometabolic health and increased mortality from all causes.” It is repeatedly associated with lower risk,” Costa noted.

“Plant-based meat alternatives and their health impact, especially for people at high risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease,” said Haley Bischoff, RDN, LD, owner of Ruth’s Nutrition in Las Vegas. We need to understand more about it.” Or diabetes. ”

“As a registered dietitian, I recommend minimizing your intake of plant-based meat alternatives and processed foods in general, including animal meats such as sausages, hot dogs, and ham,” Bischoff said.

“Ideally, whole food options should be the primary source of protein in both plant-based and omnivorous diets. Whole food diets include more fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Because it contains oxidants, it tends to promote cardiometabolic health.”

– Hayley Bischoff, RDN, LD

Professor Costa added that the study shows that “Despite advances in processing techniques and carefully selected raw materials used to create plant-based meat substitutes, plant-based meat analogs, animal-based “This highlights the nutritional disparity between foods, whole plant-based foods.”

In conclusion, Costa said, “This study highlights the importance of understanding that not all plant-based diets are created equal.”

“Choosing more plant-based options can have health benefits, but focusing on minimally processed, whole foods rather than relying solely on ultra-processed alternatives can help. “It’s important,” she reiterated.