Vegan diet good for gut hormones: study

Washington D.C. [USA], Jan 29 (ANI): Whit the Vegan culture picking the pace, a recent study has now suggested that vegan diet helps to promote beneficial gut hormones that are responsible for regulating blood sugar, satiety, and weight.
As part of the study, researchers compared a vegan meal with a meal containing meat and cheese and assessed their effects on hormonal levels in 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 ratio of macronutrients.
Across all three groups, the vegan meal increased beneficial gastrointestinal hormones, compared with the non-vegan meal. These hormones are involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism, insulin secretion, energy homeostasis, satiety, and weight management.
"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," said Hana Kahleova, lead author of the study.  
Previous studies have shown that plant-based diets are beneficial for weight loss and that those following a plant-based diet have approximately half the risk of developing diabetes, compared with non-vegetarians.
Findings of the study were published in the Journal of Developmental Science.
This study adds to the mounting evidence that plant-based diets can help manage and prevent type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Study participants across all three groups also self-reported that the vegan meal increased satiety or feelings of after-meal satisfaction. The researchers note that vegan meals are often rich in fibre--a nutrient found in plant foods that adds bulk to the diet without adding extra calories. (ANI)