Acute Effects of Animal Versus Plant-Based Protein Within a Realistic High-Fat Meal on Metabolic and Inflammatory Factors
Shifting away from diets high in animal products towards more plant predominant diets is recommended by many health organizations to both reduce the negative environmental impacts of animal agriculture and to improve health outcomes. As a result, a number of plant-based meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat have been formulated to promote increased plant consumption. However, evidence is limited on the impact of newer plant-based meat alternatives on common cardiometabolic risk factors. The investigators aim to compare the acute metabolic, gastrointestinal, and inflammatory effects of a plant-based meat alternative (i.e., Beyond Meat) versus a comparable beef product within the context of high-fat, Western-style meal (i.e., eggs, meat, refined bread product). The investigators will also examine whether these responses differ based on whether individuals have a normal-weight or have overweight/obesity.
• 18 - 50 years.
• Body mass index \> 18.5 kg/m2
• Not pregnant (females only)
• Not postmenopausal (females only).
• Not been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
• Not been diagnosed with a cardiometabolic conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes)
• Not been diagnosed with a chronic inflammatory condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease).
• Does not regularly take anti-inflammatory drugs (more than 2x week).
• Does not use glucose-lowering drugs (e.g., metformin)
• Does not use lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., statins)
• Does not use tobacco products or any illicit drugs.
• Does not have a pacemaker.
• Can consume pea products (Beyond Meat is made from pea protein).