A study funded by the beef industry has unintentionally provided robust support for plant-based protein. Intended to demonstrate the superiority of meat, the research instead found that plant protein offers comparable benefits to animal protein for muscle growth and overall health.
Although the study’s sponsors might have hoped to keep these results under wraps, vegan YouTuber and researcher Mic The Vegan uncovered the findings and analyzed them in his video, “Beef Industry Study Finds Plant Protein Equal to Meat.”
The Study Design
The research involved 17 healthy women divided into three groups. Each group consumed meals featuring different protein sources: one with beef, another with plant-based proteins like beans and whole wheat, and the third with what the study termed “incomplete” vegan protein.
Debunking the Myth of “Incomplete” Protein
Despite the study’s apparent goal of showcasing beef as the superior protein, the results revealed no significant difference in muscle protein synthesis between the groups. Even participants relying on whole wheat bread, typically not seen as a rich protein source, experienced similar muscle growth to those consuming meat.
The concept of “incomplete” protein—referring to plant proteins with varying levels of the nine essential amino acids—was also called into question. Experts have long clarified that all plant-based foods contain these essential amino acids, and a diverse vegan diet can fully meet protein requirements.
Broader Implications
This study joins a growing body of evidence showing the viability of plant-based diets, even as industries like meat, dairy, and eggs continue to sponsor nutritional research to reinforce their own narratives. However, major health organizations, including the American Dietetic Association and the NHS, affirm that appropriately planned vegan diets are suitable for all stages of life.
The findings from this beef industry-funded study inadvertently strengthen the case for plant-based eating, highlighting the versatility and efficacy of plant proteins in supporting human health.