In a recent research study, scientists compared feelings of fullness after eating mushrooms and beef. Individuals reported feeling more satisfied after meals of vegetables compared to meat.
The study observed the satiety and food intake of 32 individuals for 10 days. Participants were given protein-equivalent amounts of either white button mushrooms or ground beef.
Participants reported greater feelings of fullness following the meal containing mushrooms, and were also less likely to snack afterwards (“decreased prospective consumption”). There was no difference in reported levels of energy.
While some meat contains more protein than an equal serving of vegetables, animal proteins are commonly difficult to digest, and may not be fully absorbed by the body.
Additionally, meats can be high in fat and saturated fat, which increases cholesterol levels. Lowering cholesterol intake also lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Cholesterol is only present in animal products, including meat and dairy products.
Mushrooms are low in calories, low in sodium, cholesterol-free, fat-free and gluten-free, but are still highly nutritional. They contain potassium, niacin, iron, vitamin C and vitamin D, among others.
Other protein-rich foods include almonds, oats, broccoli, quinoa, lentils, corn and potato.
