Ultra-processed Plant-Based Foods May Aid in Weight Loss: Research
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Synopsis
A recent study indicates that replacing animal products with ultra-processed plant-based foods like soy milk and vegan meat may significantly aid in weight loss. The research emphasizes the positive health impacts of plant-based diets.
Key Takeaways
- Substituting animal products with ultra-processed plant-based foods can aid in weight loss.
- The study found an average weight loss of 5.9 kilograms in participants adopting a vegan diet.
- Reduced consumption of processed animal foods is linked to better weight management.
- Plant-based foods can be part of a healthy diet despite being processed.
- Increased fiber intake and reduced calorie consumption contribute to weight loss.
New Delhi, March 15 (NationPress) Are you on a weight loss journey? A recent study suggests that substituting animal products with plant-based alternatives such as soy milk and vegan meat, which are ultra-processed, could lead to notable weight reduction.
The investigation conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine examined the influence of processed plant-based foods on weight management.
Foods that are highly processed—loaded with sugar, salt, and fat—are widely recognized as detrimental to health and are linked to weight gain, obesity, and various diseases.
“Our findings indicate that opting for a bagel over bacon at breakfast or a veggie burger instead of a hamburger at dinner is the optimal choice for weight loss,” stated Hana Kahleova, the director of clinical research for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
“Filling your plate with plant-based options—even those categorized as ultra-processed, such as soy milk and vegan meat—instead of animal products can positively affect your weight and overall health,” Kahleova emphasized.
Published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism, the study revealed that participants in the vegan group reduced their intake of animal products and increased their consumption of plant-based foods. This shift resulted in an average weight loss of 5.9 kilograms, whereas the control group experienced minimal change.
The three main factors predicting weight loss were the reduction of processed animal foods (like smoked fish), unprocessed or minimally processed animal foods (such as milk, beef, and eggs), and ultra-processed animal foods (including cheese, fried chicken, and sausage).
This seems to have stemmed from lower calorie and fat consumption and increased fiber intake, alongside calorie burning due to heightened post-meal metabolism, according to the researchers.
“Our latest study serves as a crucial reminder that processed plant-based foods, such as canned beans, cereals, and veggie burgers, can be integral to a nutritious diet that combats diet-related chronic disease epidemics,” Kahleova concluded.
