A recent study from the University of Helsinki suggests that swapping out some red and processed meat for legumes, particularly peas and faba beans, in one’s diet won’t negatively impact bone health.
This could be good news for those looking for environmentally friendly protein alternatives.
The BeanMan Study Breakdown
The team aimed to understand the impact of reducing red and processed meat consumption while increasing the intake of peas and faba beans on both amino acids in the diet and bone health.
A total of 102 Finnish men participated over a period of six weeks.
One group ate 760 grams of red and processed meat weekly (25% of total protein intake). The other group incorporated peas and faba beans into their diet (20% of total protein intake) while limiting red and processed meat to 200 grams weekly.
Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, the study found no notable differences between the two groups regarding markers of bone formation, bone resorption, calcium intake, or vitamin D intake.
Docent Suvi Itkonen, a representative from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, stated, “Switching to legumes like peas and faba beans while cutting down on red and processed meat is safe in terms of protein nutrition and doesn’t compromise bone health.”
The Environmental and Dietary Perspective
Itkonen emphasizes the significance of reducing red meat consumption due to its environmental implications.
With rising interest in plant-based diets and updated Nordic Nutrition Recommendations suggesting decreased meat and moderated dairy consumption, the results from this study are timely.
However, Itkonen cautions those considering reducing dairy in their diet, “If dairy intake drops, it’s crucial to get calcium and vitamin D from other sources.
This might include plant-based drinks, yogurt-like products fortified with those nutrients, or dietary supplements.”
Future results from the BeanMan study will dive deeper into other areas like lipid metabolism, gut health, and nutrient intakes.
If you care about bone health, please read studies about vitamin K deficiency linked to hip fractures in old people, and these vitamins could help reduce bone fracture risk.
For more information about bone health, please see recent studies that Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people, and eating yogurt linked to lower frailty in older people.
The study was published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
