Quorn is fusarium venenatum, a naturally occurring fungus. The main ingredient, mycoprotein, is produced through fermentation and processed into various foods for human consumption.Credit: Quorn
People looking to lower their cholesterol and shed fat from their waistlines may consider replacing meat with Quorn protein, according to recent research.
A recent study conducted at Northumbria University in Newcastle found that european nutrition journalsuggests that people aiming to lower cholesterol and lose waist fat may benefit from replacing meat with Quorn protein.
Within just two weeks, participants who consumed Quorn, a popular mycoprotein-derived meat substitute, witnessed a remarkable 12% reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol and a 7% reduction in total cholesterol. did. These same people were also observed to have their waist circumference reduced by an average of nearly 1cm (0.95cm) compared to the same people who consumed red meat and processed meat products.
Medical research shows that this reduction in total cholesterol levels may reduce a person’s risk of death. cardiovascular diseasesuch as stroke and coronary heart disease, 9 is also. Waist circumference is a good measure of abdominal fat and an important marker of cardiovascular health, and a reduction of nearly 1 cm in mycoprotein groups was achieved in a short period of time, with potential benefits for heart health and body composition. It is suggested.
In this investigator-blind study, 20 healthy adult men were randomly assigned to consume 240 grams of red and processed meat per day, or an equivalent amount of Quorn, twice for 14 days. Additional heart health benefits of consuming mycoprotein have also been discovered. Proprietary ingredients found in all Quorn products. Researchers identified a clinically meaningful trend of lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the mycoprotein group, confirming that this may contribute to improved cardiovascular health. did.
The findings come from the UK’s latest annual health survey, which found that half (59%) of adults suffer from elevated cholesterol, almost two-thirds (64%) are overweight or obese, and almost It was published after a third (30%) were estimated to be obese. High blood pressure. All three are known to cause cardiovascular disease, which means millions of people may be at risk of suffering a potentially fatal heart attack or stroke. means.
High cholesterol is primarily caused by a diet high in saturated fat, carrying excess fat around the waist, and not getting enough exercise, and, along with high blood pressure, is often asymptomatic and undiagnosed by a doctor. It is said to be one of the “silent killers” that have only been identified. emergency.
Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can cause fatty plaques to build up within a person’s arteries, which restricts blood flow and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. will increase. . Currently, a quarter (115) of the 460 deaths from heart and circulatory disease recorded each day in the UK are linked to high LDL cholesterol.
Around eight million people in the UK rely on statins to lower their cholesterol, but shortages have raised concerns about the affordability of these drugs, with the most prescribed statin, atorvastatin. The price has increased from 49p to £5.30 in the past year. 6 week period.
Maintaining a healthy waist circumference is also known to be important for preventing future heart attacks and strokes. A larger waist usually indicates excess fat around and within organs, and when this happens in the liver, for example, excess fat and sugar are pushed into the bloodstream, leading to coronary heart disease. and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This is especially dangerous if you have excess fat in your lower torso area.
Commenting on the findings, lead researcher Dr Daniel Comane, Associate Professor of Nutritional Science at Northumbria University, said:
“At a time when millions of people have high cholesterol levels and excess belly fat, this study is the latest in human dietary intervention trials to demonstrate significant cardiovascular benefits of mycoprotein. .
“This means that simply changing your diet to consume mycoprotein can have amazing benefits for your heart health in a very short period of time, reducing your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by up to 9 percent, according to some models.” This is important as it highlights that it is possible to reduce the health risks of obesity. It also shows that mycoprotein can play an important role in supporting weight loss and long-term weight management. This is extremely important when considering that almost 2 in 3 people in the UK are clinically overweight.
“This latest study builds on previous research we conducted that revealed that Quorn Mycoprotein significantly reduces the presence of cancer biomarkers and improves gut health.”
Fungi-based proteins, such as Quorn’s mycoproteins, are an independent food kingdom distinct from plant-based foods and are increasingly being recognized for their unique nutritional properties. Cultivated through an ancient fermentation process, mycoprotein is a “complete protein” that is low in saturated fat and free of cholesterol, and is recognized as a healthy source of protein and fiber. Quorn Mycoprotein forms part of a healthy and sustainable diet and mycoprotein is included in the UK Government’s healthy eating guidelines, the Eatwell Guide.
Tim Finnigan, Scientific Advisor to Quorn Foods and Visiting Professor at Northumbria University, said:
“While millions of people have been diagnosed with elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure, there are millions more who are undiagnosed and tackling these silent killers is an absolute priority. I need to continue.
“While there are countless solutions to these challenges, some more expensive than others, what is clear from this and other recent studies is that simply adding mycoprotein to your diet can improve your heart’s health. This means it can make a huge difference to your health.
“Made by fermenting naturally occurring fungi, it incredibly replicates the taste and texture of meat, and has more than 20 published studies showing its health benefits as a high-quality protein.” supported by a rich evidence base.”
Reference: “Effects of Mycoprotein Substitutes for Red and Processed Meat on Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Risk in Healthy Volunteers: Analysis of Secondary Endpoints of Mycomeat” Dominic N. Falci, Jose Lara Gallegos, Tim – Written by J.A. Finnigan, William Chan, Jose Muñoz Muñoz and Daniel M. Comane, August 25, 2023. european nutrition journal.
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03238-1
This research was partially funded by Marlow Foods, Quorn’s parent company. TJAF is a consultant to Marlowe Foods. DNF, JLG, WC, JMM, and DMC are employees of Northumbria University. TJAF contributed to the project through regular discussions and by providing logistical support to enable effective study blinding. The Northumbria University research team was responsible for the study design, data collection and analysis, and manuscript preparation.
