- Protein is a critical diet component, but the source — animal or plant-based — does make a difference.
- Mycoprotein is derived from a fungus and used in some meat substitute products.
- Research on its benefits is ongoing.
- A recent study found that swapping meat and fish for mycoprotein may help significantly lower cholesterol levels.
Diet plays a crucial role in all the body’s systems. Protein is often part of a well-balanced diet and can come from various sources. Researchers are interested in non-animal protein sources and their benefits for consumers, including how they influence components like cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition compared eating mycoprotein or fungal protein products with eating fish and meat over four weeks.
The results of the study indicated that the group that ate mycoprotein experienced up to a 10% drop in certain cholesterol levels.
Should future research confirm these findings, consuming mycoprotein might become another tool to help people keep their cholesterol levels in a healthy range.
Mycoprotein comes from a fungus and is high in protein. Products with mycoprotein could be a substitute for animal sources of protein like meat or fish. Mycoprotein also contains high amounts of fiber.
Researchers of the current study wanted to see how eating mycoprotein instead of meat and fish influenced cholesterol levels, specifically in people who were overweight and had elevated cholesterol levels. Researchers noted that these individuals were more at risk for cardiovascular disease.
People can influence their
“Controlling cholesterol is crucial because it impacts heart health and the risk of cardiovascular…
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