A recent study at the University of Helsinki, named the BeanMan study, has revealed encouraging findings about dietary changes involving legumes.
The research focused on the impact of replacing red and processed meat with pea and faba bean-based foods on amino acid intake and bone metabolism.
Involving 102 Finnish men, the six-week study divided participants into two groups:
Red and Processed Meat Group: Consumed 760 grams of meat weekly, making up 25% of their total protein intake.
Legume Group: Ate legume-based products (peas and faba beans), accounting for 20% of total protein. Their red and processed meat consumption was capped at 200 grams per week, aligning with the Planetary Health Diet’s upper limit.
Apart from these specific diet modifications, participants maintained their usual eating habits, avoiding any other red, processed meats, or legumes not provided by the study.
Key Findings: Bone Health and Protein Intake
The study’s outcomes were reassuring:
No significant differences were observed in markers of bone formation or resorption between the two groups.
Calcium and vitamin D intakes remained consistent and close to recommended levels in both groups.
Essential amino acid and overall protein intakes met the dietary recommendations for both groups.
Environmental and Health Implications
Reducing red meat consumption is crucial for environmental sustainability. This study demonstrates that incorporating legumes into the diet can be done without compromising protein nutrition or bone health.
It aligns with evolving dietary trends that favor plant-based diets, as emphasized in the updated Nordic Nutrition Recommendations.
If dairy intake is reduced alongside meat, the study underscores the importance of ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake from other sources. This can include fortified plant-based beverages and products or dietary supplements, if necessary.
Future Research and Implications
Further results from the BeanMan study, covering aspects like lipid metabolism, gut health, and nutrient intakes, are awaited.
This research contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the health and environmental benefits of legume-rich diets.
If you care about bone health, please read studies that plant-based diets can harm your bone health without these nutrients, and this bone problem may strongly increase COVID-19 death risk.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that too much of this vitamin may increase your risk of bone fractures, and results showing this type of exercise may protect your bone health, slow down bone aging.
The research findings can be found in British Journal Of Nutrition.
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