Vegan burgers make you feel fuller for longer than the meat equivalent and are beneficial for regulating blood sugar and weight, a new study has revealed.

The study published in the journal Nutrients found that a plant-based diet helps to promote beneficial gut hormones.

In the research, hormone levels created by a veggie burger were compared to a beef cheeseburger.

It tested a group of 60 men – 20 with obesity, 20 with type 2 diabetes, and 20 who were healthy. The meals contained the same amount of calories and macronutrients.

In every set the vegan meal was more effective in assisting the production of healthy stomach hormones when compared to the meat burger.

The hormones involved regulate glucose metabolism, insulin secretion, energy homeostasis, satiety and weight management.

Implications

Study author and director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Hana Kahleova, said: “These beneficial gut hormones can help keep weight down, enhance insulin secretion, regulate blood sugar, and keep us feeling full longer.

“The fact that simple meal choices can increase the secretion of these healthy hormones has important implications for those with type 2 diabetes or weight problems.”

More than two thirds of adults from the U.S. are overweight or obese and more than 114 million adults have either diabetes or prediabetes, the study noted.

Mounting evidence

There is plenty of evidence that plant-based diets are helpful for weight-loss and in reducing the likelihood of developing diabetes.

Dr. Kahleova added: “This study adds to the mounting evidence that plant-based diets can help manage and prevent type 2 diabetes and obesity.”

Participants also said the vegan meal increased fullness and satisfaction. Vegan meals are usually rich in fiber— which adds bulk without adding extra calories.

High-fiber diets reduce the risk for heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer, and even premature death, a report from the World Health Organization recently found.

• Read: Shaquille O’Neal devours two vegan burgers at Atlanta’s Slutty Vegan

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Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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