01 Mar 2024 --- Swapping animal-based protein for mycoprotein-containing food products effectively lowers circulating cholesterol concentrations in overweight adults with high cholesterol, according to new research by the University of Exeter, UK, and Quorn, who provided the fungal-derived protein products. The identified reductions are comparable to making more wholesale dietary changes, such as adhering to a Mediterranean or vegan diet. In four weeks, study participants who substituted meat and fish with mycoprotein — a complete protein source from the fungus Fusarium venenatum — reduced their serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 10% and their non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol concentration by 6%.
