The cross-over study, known as SWAP-MEAT: Study With Appetizing Plant Food – Meat Eating Alternatives Trial, was conducted by Dr. Christopher Gardner from Stanford University. It aimed to investigate the impact of plant-based and conventional meat on the cardiometabolic and body composition levels of 36 participants over an eight-week period. Beyond Meat had no involvement in the study’s design, execution, or data analysis, as confirmed by the company.
Both groups had similar caloric intake, sodium levels, protein consumption, and blood pressure readings. However, the study revealed differences in cardiometabolic factors. Participants consuming plant-based meat experienced a significant decrease in trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), an emerging cardiovascular risk indicator, as explained by Gardner. Additionally, those who consumed plant-based meat had higher fiber and carbohydrate content, while those who consumed conventional meat had a higher intake of saturated fats.
Interestingly, participants who first consumed plant-based meat and then animal meat showed a greater reduction in TMAO compared to those who followed the opposite sequence. Gardner suggested that the microbiome might influence the health benefits associated with plant-based meat, although further research is required to confirm this theory.
The most notable finding from Gardner’s research was that participants lost an average of two pounds when consuming plant-based meat products. However, Gardner cautioned that this weight loss is not clinically significant, and the study was not designed to evaluate the long-term effects of plant-based meat on weight loss.
In summary, the study concluded that consuming plant-based meat products did not have any adverse health effects. These findings highlight the importance of promoting transparency within the plant-based industry regarding both processes and ingredients. Beyond Meat’s CEO, Ethan Brown, emphasized the need for education about the health and sustainability benefits of plant-based meat. In response to disappointing Q2 revenue, Beyond Meat launched the “There’s Goodness Here” campaign to raise awareness and understanding of how their plant-based meats are made.
To address concerns about its ingredients, Brown emphasized the inclusion of natural components such as water, wheat gluten, fava bean protein, expeller pressed canola oil, natural flavors, and various spices. He also mentioned methyl cellulose, an FDA and health professional-approved ingredient that helps create healthier meats without cholesterol, high levels of saturated fat, antibiotics, hormones, or heavy-metal-laden feed.