Want to feel full? Add beans and peas to meals

December 12, 2016 in Nutrition Topics in the News, Weight Management

Want to feel full? Add beans and peas to meals

Meals based on legumes such as beans, peas and lentils are more satiating than pork and veal-based meals according to a recent study from the University of Copenhagen. The results suggest that sustainable eating may also help with weight loss.

Many diet recommendations encourage eating more high to help with weight loss or prevent the age-related loss of muscle mass. Consuming more plant protein from beans and lentils, and less protein from meat, is also recommended because meat production is a far greater burden on our environment than vegetable cultivation.

In the study, 43 young men were served three different meals in which patties -- consisting of either beans/peas or veal/pork -- were a key element. When participants ate a protein-rich meal based on beans and peas, they consumed 12% fewer calories at their next meal than if they had eaten a meat-based meal.

Read: 12 Ways to Add Beans and Lentils to Your Diet

The protein-rich meal made up of legumes was significantly higher in fibre than the meat-based meal, which likely contributed to the increased feeling of satiety, the authors stated.

The study also demonstrated that a less protein-rich meal based on beans and peas was as satiating and tasty as the protein-rich veal and pork-based meals.

While more studies are needed, it appears as if vegetable-based meals, particularly those based on beans and peas, can serve as a long term basis for weight loss and as a sustainable eating habit," concluded the study author.

Source: Food & Nutrition Research, October 16, 2016.

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