Mycoprotein for Muscle Growth

The rise of plant-based diets in recent years has pushed many to limit or avoid animal-based protein options, which has left many to wonder if this puts people at a muscle-making disadvantage. Not so, if you can get a chunk of your protein derived from fungi. In a randomized investigation, published in The Journal of Nutrition, 16 healthy young adults followed a three-day diet where they ate protein-filled meals made from meat or mycoprotein, a type of protein that is derived from fungus, sources. Researchers measured their metabolism levels including protein synthesis rates during the three-day diet. In the second phase, 22 other healthy young adults underwent a 10-week progressive resistance training program while eating either a high-protein (2 grams protein per kg of body weight) omnivore diet or a vegan diet filled with mycoprotein.

There was no significant difference in muscle gains and strength between the two groups. In other words, the mycoprotein-rich diet produced similar muscle-building results during resistance training as people who get most of their protein from meat. More specifically, both groups showed an 8.3-percent size increase in their thigh muscles during the experiment. It’s predicted more plant-based protein options derived from fungi will hit the market in the years to come so it’s good to know that you can get pumped on the stuff.

See also: Plant Protein to Build Muscle