Lucknow : Those wanting to lose weight may want to include mushroom in their diet. A study published in the journal Appetite’s October issue discovered that mushrooms can provide a similar satiating effect to meat when protein levels are matched.

According to EurekAlert! website, the study aimed to measure the difference in satiety between 226 grams of white button mushrooms and 28 grams of meat in a randomized crossover study.

Joanne Slavin PhD. RD., the study’s author and a professor at the University of Minnesota, said, “Previous studies on mushrooms suggest that they can be more satiating than meat; this effect had not been studied with protein-matched amounts until now.”

For 10 days, the 17 women and 15 men who participated in the study were given two servings of sliced-mushroom or 93 percent lean/7 percent of fat ground beef meat. In regard to the portions, the sizes had similar protein and calorie counts.

The research found that those consuming a mushroom-rich breakfast experienced less hunger, greater fullness and decreased prospective consumption compared to those eating meat, showing a significant difference in satiety ratings.

“This new study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests mushrooms may aid weight management and satiety, and thus contribute to overall wellness,” said Mary Jo Feeney, the nutrition research coordinator of Mushroom Council, a US-based organization of fresh mushroom producers

The study, titled “The effect of mushroom intake on modulating post-prandial glycemic response,” is the first to examine how plant-based glucose can aid in normalizing blood sugar. According to Peter Horvath, associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Science at UB, the “results indicate that the consumption of mushrooms could be useful in regulating glucose levels. This alone may benefit individuals attempting to lose weight and exercise longer.”

Horvath suggested that it is a dense phytonutrient component, along with the “incredible antioxidant” ergothioneine, a naturally occurring plant based amino acid, which yield such powerful and rapid improvement to the body. Together, they nourish cells and work to protect against tissue damage, leading to greater stamina while also leveling blood sugar—in less than 30 minutes. “The results were quite rapid,” Horvath told The Daily Beast. “If you could have a mushroom granola bar a half-hour before you work out, well, that would be ideal.”

By stabilizing blood glucose levels in the body, we can support the essential hormone balance needed to chuck unwanted weight—but understanding how to get there is tricky. Every cell in the body needs glucose (sugar) for fuel in order to thrive, but the Western diet is filled with unhealthy, processed sugar that the body can’t possibly expend. Unused sugar turns into fat, leading to fatty liver, diabetes, and obesity. Enter unassuming fungi: clean, plant-based solution that could possibly normalize blood sugar.

75 g glucose drink (G)• 75 g glucose drink with 95 g Portabella Powder (MG)• 9.5 Portobello powder with Stevia/flavored water (M)

After two hours of each day, blood was drawn. The results showed a constant decline in post-prandial (after-meal) elevated insulin levels in women who consumed MG—the glucose drink with Portobello powder—while men showed no difference.

What does this research mean for us ladies? Mushrooms may provide the balance required to level-out blood sugar levels and keep the body at a healthy weight, all while providing clean fuel for endurance so the body doesn’t crash and burn. When asked if he would opt for a mushroom over a banana post-workout, Dr. Horvath said, “I would make a shake! You can actually buy the same mushroom powder used in our study. It’s treated with ultraviolet rays, so is enriched with Vitamin D2. It might taste earthy, but it’s great for your health.”