Meat-Based Meal is Not Unnecessary for 'Feeling of Fullness'

A new research has found that a vegetarian diet can provide a similar feeling of fullness as compared to a beef-based meal. Researchers from the University of Minnesota studied the effectiveness of a bean-based meal. They had 28 participants (14 men and 14 women) consume two test lunches containing a "meatloaf " made from either beef or beans.

The beef meal provided 26 grams of protein and three grams of fiber while the bean meal provided 17 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber. Both meals were matched in weight, calories, and total fat.

All the participants showed no difference in appetite rates between the beef and bean meals over three hours. Also, they had the same amount of calories at the next meal eaten.

Protein induces the feeling of fullness, with fiber coming in a close second. While protein intake releases appetite-suppressing hormones, the beneficial effects of fiber on appetite and food include slowing down the digestion process and helping control blood sugar levels.

The results of this study support the idea that plant-based proteins with high fiber may offer similar appetite regulation as animal protein. The study was published in the Journal of Food Science.

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Source-Medindia