The Meat Substitute that Reverses Type 2 Diabetes

Heavy meat-eaters and people looking to transition to a vegetarian or vegan diet who want to cut down on their meat consumption have long looked for a healthy meat substitute that is not just soy or vegetable extract.

Researchers have now discovered one such soy-free substitute that contains equally good protein as meat and that can prevent and reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Plus, even the most devoted meat-eaters swear to its deliciousness!

In April 2016, the British Journal of Nutrition published an article by researchers from Imperial College London proving mycoprotein was able to reduce insulin release and calorie intake in overweight people.

Mycoprotein is the product that results from the growth and fermentation of the fusarium venenatum fungus in glucose syrup, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, vitamins, and minerals.

While it sounds utterly disgusting, you have nothing to complain about if you already eat fungi in the form of mushrooms.

Between the 1960s and 1980s, mycoprotein was originally grown as a way to beat world hunger, as its ability to double in size in just a few hours makes it an abundant source of protein-packed nutrition.

As often happens to such noble projects, it has now ended up with the middle classes in developed countries where it has made its way into meat substitute products under the label Quorn. Is now available throughout Europe, North America, and large parts of the rest of the planet.

The Imperial College researchers conducted two trials with 55 overweight participants, giving them meals containing mycoprotein.

Compared to meals containing chicken, mycoprotein reduced the participants’ energy intake by 10 percent (67 calories) and reduced their insulin concentration by up to 21%. It did not affect their blood glucose levels, rate of gastric emptying, or satiety.

This goes a long way to tackling the insulin tolerance that gives rise to type 2 diabetes. First, because it is a low-carbohydrate meal relative to its weight and calories. Second, because it prevents an overdose of insulin to be dumped into the bloodstream by the pancreas.

Every 100 grams (approximately 3.5 ounces) of mycoprotein contains 11 grams of protein that, like meat, holds all the amino acids that our bodies need. This is therefore a much more complete protein source than soy.

Moreover, every 100 grams also contains six grams of fiber, which is largely believed to account for its beneficial effects on diabetes and obesity.

But mycoprotein alone will not cure your type 2 diabetes. For that task, you need to follow the 3-step type 2 diabetes strategy found here…