Protein is a crucial diet component , but the source of protein – animal or plant does make a difference in our lifestyle. Mycoprotein which is found in mushroom is derived from fungus which is used as substitution to meat products, the research on its benefits is ongoing.
Diet plays a crucial role in synchronised functioning of body systems. Protein is a part of well balanced diet and can be obtained from various sources . Researchers are interested in non-animal protein sources and their benefits to the consumers including how they act on vital components like cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition compared eating mycoprotein with eating fish and meat over a week. The result of the study concluded that the group of consumers eating mycoprotein has 10% dropped in certain cholesterol levels.
What is Mycoprotein?
Mycoprotein is derived from fungus and it’s a complete protein consisting of all essential animo acids which are rarely found in plant based protein sources.Researches wanted to see how consuming Mycoprotein instead of animal protein influence cholesterol levels, specifically in obese people with high level of cholesterol. Researchers noted that these individuals are at higher risk of having cardiovascular diseases. People can influence their cholesterol levels though lifestyle interventions including diet changes. Beata Rydoyer a registered nutritionist based in Los Angeles CA was involved in the study informed the importance controlling cholesterol.
“Controlling cholesterol is a crucial because it impacts heart health and risk of cardiovascular diseases. While also being a vital substance body produces a key function like forming cell membrane , hormonal production and vitamin D synthesis. The body requires cholesterol but excess of it specially LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in arteries and can lead to conditions like atherosclerosis which increases blood clots and reduces blood flow and in worse cases can cause serious health issues like heart attack or stroke.
Hence managing cholesterol by balanced diet (reducing saturated trans fat , increase fibers and healthy fats) regular exercises and quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol is essential for maintenance of cardiovascular health.” She added.
Improvement in cholesterol and blood sugar by Mycoprotein:
The study was randomised controlled trial. Participants were adults of 18 and 70. All participants have body mass index of 27.5 or higher which indicates being overweight. Researchers assumed this criteria will ensure the subjects have elevated cholesterol, participants were excluded if they are allergic to penicillin or mycoprotein or already using cholesterol lowering medications. Researchers randomly divided 72 participants in two groups.
One group recieves meat and fish products and another receive mycoprotein products. Researchers sent particular amount based on their weight. Research conducted after 24 hours dietary recall. Participants submitted blood samples before and after meal. Overall research found more improvement in cholesterol levels among mycoprotein group. For participants in mycoprotein group serum total cholesterol got reduced 5% . Similarly LDL decreases 10% to 6% respectively in mycoprotein group.
Participants of mycoprotein group have also been noted to have lower blood sugar readings and c-peptides concentration than the control group. Hence the study further concluded the consuming mycoprotein can cause reduction in risk of cardiovascular diseases.
According to the ongoing research the plant based proteins are essential for enhancing heart health so it can be added to adult diet.
“Some people may have adverse or severe GI or allergic reaction on consumption of mushroom, so it is important to notice your individual reaction the first time you eat it. Sometimes processed mycoprotein can be High in sodium or fat so checking the label is vital. When prepared in a healthy way it is a great source of protein and fiber that can be incorporated in regular diet”. – Chelsea Johnson, registered dietitian.
