A Single Plant-Based Meal Improves Arterial Function and Maximal Oxygen Uptake During Exercise

Pre-exercise consumption of a plant-based meal improves central arterial stiffness and vascular endothelial function when compared with a macronutrient-matched animal-based meal, according to a new study published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.

The researchers, from Nippon Sport Science University, randomly assigned 11 healthy adult males to both a plant- and animal-based meal on separate days in a randomized crossover comparison, ensuring both meals were matched for protein, fat, and carbohydrates. They found that measures of central arterial stiffness and vascular endothelial function were improved 120 minutes after the plant-based meal, but not after the animal-based meal. On top of this, maximal oxygen uptake, assessed using a graded power test on a cycle ergometer, was significantly higher following the plant vs animal-based meal type.

References

Ishiwata, M., Hata, U., Hashimoto, Y., and Okamoto, T.. Effects of pre-exercise intake of plant- and animal-based foods on arterial function and aerobic exercise capacity in healthy young men: a randomized cross-over trial (2024). Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2023-0314