Plant-based meat substitutes are made from non-meat sources, such as legumes or wheat gluten. They typically mimic the sensory profile of meat products and are popular among those wishing to reduce their animal protein intake for ethical or health reasons. A recent study found that plant-based meat substitutes did not benefit cardiometabolic health in people at risk for type 2 diabetes.

The study involved 82 adults at risk for type 2 diabetes. Half of the participants ate an animal-based diet, while the others swapped out their usual animal-based foods for plant-based meat substitutes. Researchers assessed their blood lipids (triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol), glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and blood pressure before and after the eight-week intervention.

They found that participants who ate the plant-based meat substitutes had higher fiber, sodium, and potassium intake than those who ate animal meat. Their blood lipids showed little improvement, but their diastolic blood pressure decreased, and their insulin sensitivity increased. However, those who ate the animal meat diet had better glycemic control than those on the plant-based diet.

These findings suggest that plant-based meat substitutes don’t improve cardiometabolic health in people at risk for type 2 diabetes. However, robust evidence demonstrates that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) profoundly affects cardiometabolic health. Learn more in this episode featuring Dr. Martin Gibala.