A Report on Food Biotechnology: Mycoprotein's Impact on Health

This report delves into the realm of food biotechnology, focusing on mycoprotein, a fungal-based protein used as a meat substitute, primarily manufactured by Quorn. It explores the application of mycoprotein in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, highlighting its nutritional profile, including its hig...Read More

FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY

TABLE OF CONTENT
FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY...........................................................................................................1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Main body........................................................................................................................................1
Mycoprotein use in management of type 2 diabetes...................................................................1
Mycoprotein: potential use in the management of obesity..........................................................2
Literature review..............................................................................................................................3
Health benefits and risks of Mycoprotein....................................................................................3
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

Introduction
Food biotechnology is the food science dealing with preservation, research, quality control
and also develops food products. The research which was happening earlier was focused on food
preservation. Food biotechnology consists of wide variety of process which uses living
organisms like plants, microbes, animals etc. So that new food products can be produced. The
foods which are developed by using biotechnology involve corn products, papaya, cotton etc.
Quorn is the meat substitute products company which is the UK based company and sold its
products in many countries.
Company sale cooking ingredients and meat substitute items and also the range of pre-
packaged meal (Mycoprotein: Beneficial Vegetarian Protein Source or Dangerous Allergen.,
2018). Quorn is the only company which manufacture mycoprotein. This study will discuss
mycoprotein use in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. Further it will discuss literature review
on health benefits and risks occur by mycoprotein.
Main body
Mycoprotein use in management of type 2 diabetes
The most significant factor for a type 2 diabetes patient is living with obesity, hence
maintaining a healthy diet can reduce life risks. One must identify the best possible way for
themselves to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Increase in protein and fibre can help in
building a balanced diet, which could also include low saturated fats (Gupta and Prakash, 2017),
Mycoprotein is constituted of nutrients such as protein and fibre which are immensely
effective for a type 2 diabetes person. An overall low energy intake and increasing rate of daily
energy outflow are the effects of protein consumption on satiety. This is the result of increased
diet induced thermogenesis and the energy outflow which happens during sleep. Mycoprotein
shows induction of severe thermogenic response which is seen in the consumption of animal
protein. Animal protein has a relatively high energy density than that of mycoprotein.
Fibre also reduces the energy inflow which is called seminal ‘fibre hypothesis’. Fibre has
different characteristics which are
 Fibre relocates the nutrients and calories available from the diet
 Fibre is hard to chew, which increases the limitations such as more saliva secretion and
gastric juices which increases the stomach and increases satiety.
 The small intestine’s absorption efficiency is reduced by fibre in the diet.
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According to certain studies the effect of mycoprotein on the energy inflow and the diet
regulation of the individuals is beneficial for the type 2 state of diabetes. Two random studies
were conducted which included 55 volunteers to consume a diet which had low, medium and
high mycoprotein meals and chicken meals. The results of the energy decreased by 10% than that
of the chicken meal with high content. Mycoprotein reduced the insulin concentration in
comparison to that of the chicken meals. The studies found that there were no significant
differences in mycoprotein and the chicken meals in glucose, gastric emptying rate and energy
outflow. The studies concluded that mycoprotein consumption can lessen the energy inflow in
people who have more weight which their body could bear with (Kalhotra and et.al., 2019).The
use high density energy meals in place of mycoprotein can be an effective way for maintaining
weight. Quorn products are a must for a healthy and steady diet for those individuals who are
vegetarian. The meat like texture of the quorn products increases the effects on individuals.
Mycoprotein modifies the rate of fibre and protein intakes in a healthy and balanced diet which is
very much crucial for the type 2 patients of diabetes. It also reduces the gastric rate of emptying.
Mycoprotein is available across Europe, North America and Asia and the name Quorn increases
the accessibilities in many cultures. Mycoproteins texture and appearance has been same as that
of meat which makes it easier for the meat lovers to adopt this. The vegans would love and enjoy
and at the same time can maintain their health as it is highly effective on the type 2 diabetes.
Mycoprotein: potential use in the management of obesity
Mycoprotein is rich in protein and fibre and it do not contain fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar
there for it is best for the management of obesity. As obesity occurs due to the abnormal and
access fat in the body which cause risk to the health. Therefore Mycoprotein is one of the best
solutions for the management of obesity as it is less in fat and sugar and do not put any damage
to the health. As Mycoprotienis high in protein and fibre and also improves appetite which is
very important to overcome obesity. Apart from this Mycoprotien works on reducing
overweight and fat which is present in obesity? Therefore Mycorprotienis one of the beneficial
remedy for obesity (Cherta and et.al2020). Mycoprotien is one of the alternatives for this disease
and it can easily control the obesity. As this remedy reduces carbon and water footprints from
such food which contains fat. Apart from this, by reducing fat element from the food like beef
and chicken and reduces the quantity of fat and cholesterol from them. Apart from this
Mycoprotien helps in maintaining good level of cholesterol and also maintain muscle synthesis
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which helps the individual to overcome the obesity and people can easily overcome from fat and
cholesterol. Besides this, it helps in control glucose and also maintain the insulin level which
and also increases the satiety which is very much needed to control obesity. Therefore
Mycorprotien is useful in the management of obesity. Apart from this Mycoprotien helpful in
reducing hunger as well so that people do not take access food which put fat and extra
cholesterol in them in result people have to face many big diseases which sometimes become
harmful for them. So the one dose of Mycroprotien brings energy and glucose to people who are
also helpful in reducing overweight and obese. Apart from this, it is helpful in minimising
calorific on adults. As adults are the one who take junk food and other street food which puts fat
and other things in the body which is not beneficial for people buy theses food do not provide
energy and fibber to the body there for it is harmful for adults and young people. So this is one of
the best remedy to overcome obesity as people will not know what day eat and how they increase
their fat and cholesterol without knowing the disadvantages of eating junk food and other foods.
But Mycoprotienis beneficial to to minimise obesity and provide nutrition glucose and apart
from this it also provide post mid glucose to the body so that body glide more immunity and
power to beat different disease and prevent the health of people. Apart from this people can
remain disease free if there take mycoprotein because it increases the level of energy and helps
the people to fight against overweight and can easily reduced their weight by having
Mycorprotien. It has been seen that Mycorprotien has more protein content as compared to the
usual in Daily Meal that it provides more energy to the body which is very nice easily for any
individual to conduct day to day activities.
Literature review
Health benefits and risks of Mycoprotein
According to Derbyshire,(2021) mycoprotein is the kind of single cell protein and also
called as fungal protein. Protein is consumed by humans and it is derived from fungi. Myco is
the Greek word which means fungus. In vats fungus grows and eats glucose syrup. Fermentation
vat merge with fungal spores. In order to make the protein, nitrogen is added to it and along with
that vitamins and minerals are also added for the growth. The vat is kept at the room temperature
for the growth and fungus have the capacity that in every five hours they can double their mass.
After the good amount of mycoprotein has developed than the growth medium ended up. Than
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form that mycoprotein is separated and cleared. It is yellow in colour and tastes like mushroom.
It does not have very good taste. As flavours can be added to it so that can make different
variety of mycoprotein. In the market both vegetarian and vegan mycoprotein items are
available. There are some of the mycoprotein items which include egg or milk protein which is
added to make it taste better.
Whereas its vegan products does not contain eggs or milk. Mycoprotein is safe to consume
and as per the UK food standards also they can be sold in the public. The ministry of uk
agriculture has also approved it and also can use as commercial food ingredients. It is helpfulin
weight loss. If someone is planning for weight loss and for that they are consuming vegan diet
than adding mycoprotein can be effective, so it can add in the protein rotation. It is meat
alternative and it is rich with protein which have low fat and also no cholesterol level. There are
also many health benefits of mycoprotein as it is fiber rich. Due to its richness in fiber it helps in
weight loss. When it comes to the weight loss no single food can be helpful for that. And this
meat alternative mycoprotein have high nutritional value.
Souza Filhoand et.al., (2019) stated that as the food is high in sodium so it can have the risk
of getting diabetes, bloating and kidney stones issues. Mycoprotein is not completely safe to
have as it also comes with some concerns. It is seen that mycoprotein can give allergic reactions
which means that it cannot be consumed by everyone. It can do reaction on the sensitivity area of
the body. As per the study it is seen that mycoprotein can cause multiple reactions and
sometimes its reactions are too dangerous that it can be life threatening. It can cause various
allergies and gastrointestinal reactions. Although there is solution for this issue. One can know
that they should consume mycoprotein or not.As it is the healthy alternative of meat. To find out
that one will get allergy from this or not, consumer should read labels carefully.
As on the label ingredients are mentioned and from ingredients on can find out that they
should consume this item or not. From the label itself one can develop knowledge that they are
vegan or not. As some Quorn are vegetarian but cannot be consumed by vegan diet people. With
the daily nutrient, it should be consumed with the diet. Its one nutrient can be consumed and
should be added in daily protein intake. So that is why it is said that mycoprotein should be
added in the daily diet. Along with this an individual can also have beans, tofu, legumes
etc.Hashempour‐Baltorkand et.al., (2020) evaluated that mycoprotein can be find out easily and
in the local supermarket one can find it with many different variety. Consumers can also find this
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on health food stores or can also shop it online. Quorn is the brand which sale majority of the
variety of mycoprotein.
It is high processed just like other meat substitutes. Each and every variety of this product
contain different ingredients sothat is why it is said that one should carefully read the label
before purchasing. Through label only they will find that it is fit for vegan consumption or due to
its consumption food allergy will happen or not.Finnigan, Needham and Abbott, (2017)said that
people who are on vegetarian and vegan diet often give priority to plant based proteins. It is also
observed that as compare of animal products, plant based products are more healthy and also
helpful in the weight loss. When compared this with ground beef, the fungal protein is low in salt
but contain essential mineral less which is iron. Quorn delivers many variety of mycoprotein.
The process of fungal fermentation make the product spongy and also give meat like texture. So
the flavour and the pattern of the product can be different. It can be seen that its almost products
are free from gluten but some of the products are not because it contains barley ingredients. Plant
based eating is growing day by day and also had becomes trend. From last some years it has
become the wellness trend.
As people has started consuming vegetarian fast food more as compare to non veg fast food
ad shows that people have started preferring healthier eating than taste. Now people are making
burger with mycoprotien patty and not using the regular patty. As by eating mycoprotein patty
one can reduce fat and can also replace animal product with the plant protein. As it controls
cholesterol level, enhance fullness and also control blood sugar level. It also have environment
benefit. As it is said that the manner mycoprotein is made it left less carbon and water footprint
when compared with beef and chicken production. Nutritious experts are also telling to eat
different plant based proteins and not completey dependent on mycoportein. It si recommended
that focus on balance diet and should have the knowledge of ingredients and allergies which it
can provide. It is easy to add mycoprotein in the protein rotation as in the market it is sold as
ready to eat. There are many mycoprotein convenience products which includes burgers, chicken
nuggets, slices etc. These all can be directed used in the meals as one use non vegetarian
versions.
It is further said that although mycoprotein is very healthy but to keep the meal more healthy
this can be added in vegetables, salads, avocado etc. Another advantage of it is it support
digestive health, as it is source of fiber and in 100 grms of mycoprotein it contains six grms of
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fiber and when total it you will find that it is around 24 percent of the fiber which one must have
in the whole day. Fiber is good for the body but especially it is good for improving digestive
health. As per the research it is also proved that when the person will increase fiber intake than it
will helpful in reducing constipation issues and increase stool frequency. Mycoprotein which
contain fiber saves from intestinal ulcers and also from bowel diseases. One direct benefit which
this food provide is that it contain complete protein which other meat substitutes does not have.
It include amino acid and that body does not produce so one have to obtain it from dietary
sources. One should intake enough protein in the diet so that its overall health can be maintained.
protein helps in improving skin, muscles, hair etc but also helpful in building and repairing
tissues, synthesizing hormones and deliver enzymes. Deficiency of protein can put adverse
effects on the health which can cause sluggish metabolism, affect the immune system, slow
down the healing process and also make difficult to lose the weight.
As per the views of Whittakerand et.al., (2020)mycoprotein regulate blood sugar level. As
high blood sugar is never good and it can cause many side effects in the body. When from the
long time blood pressure in more and unchecked than that can lead to skin problems, damage
nerve and can also cause kidney issues. As mycoprotein have high fiber which can slow down
the absorption capacity of sugar in the blood and will keep the sugar level under control. It also
lowersthe level of cholesterol. Cholesterol is called as the substance made from fat which can be
found in the human body which is made by cell membrane and aids in bile acids and hormones.
The increased level of cholesterol in the blood vessels can increase the risk of heart attack or
different heart diseases. Mycoprotein will help in keeping the cholesterol level down and also
reduce heart disease. It has numerous side effects as many people has suffered from some
reactions which causes nausea, hives, vomiting etc.
It has also observed that some people even died after consumption of mycoprotein because
of its allergic ingredients present in it. Consumers even sometimes gets confused of this. They
think that mycoprotein derived from mushroom varities. Quorn, the company which manufacture
mycoprotein have clearly mentioned that it is a mold which belongs to fungi family. As the
people who gets allergy after consuming mycoprotein is less. Mycoprotein is the common meat
substitute and when meat and mycoprotein is compared than it is seen that it taste is pretty
similar. This product is designed so that it can add as the meat substitute as it taste and texture
are similar to meat. While other meat substitute is not that much similar in taste and texture as
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this is. It can be said that meat is high in protein but mycoprotein is high in fiber. Along with
managing the digestive health and also keep the appetite under the control. If want to purchase
mycoprotein than one can find it in the range of Quorn products which are available in many
variety.
Conclusion
Through this report it can be concluded that mycoprotein is very important ingredient for
those people who does not eat non vegetarian food for such individuals who is following some
diet and stopped using meat as the food ingredients.As it is the meat like substance which have
similar taste and texture as meat. It is very healthy and have many benefits like it controls blood
pressure, reduced heart diseases or improves digestion.Mycoprotein can be added in daily diet
because it is high in protein and fiber. For those people who want to consumer meat but are not
consuming because of certain issue or weight loss than mycoprotein is the best substitute. Along
with benefits it also comes with risk. So it is advised to read ingredients carefully before you buy
any variety of mycoprotein. It also helps in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. As it absorbs
sugar from the blood so it is obvious that diabetes can be controlled. With the intake of it weight
is reduced and so the obesity is. It manages obesity and types 2 diabetes effectively.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
19). Current developments in nutrition. 3(Supplement_1), pp.nzz028-P01.
Cherta and et.al2020. Effects of mycoprotein on glycaemic control and energy intake in humans:
a systematic review. British Journal of Nutrition.123(12).pp.1321-1332.
Derbyshire, D.E., 2021. Fungal Protein–What is it and What is the Health Evidence? A
Systematic Review Focusing on Mycoprotein. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 5.
p.18.
Finnigan, T., Needham, L. and Abbott, C., 2017. Mycoprotein: a healthy new protein with a low
environmental impact. In Sustainable protein sources (pp. 305-325). Academic Press.
Gupta, C. and Prakash, D., 2017. Microbes as a Source for the Production of Food
Hashempour‐Baltork, F.and et.al., 2020. Safety assays and nutritional values of mycoprotein
produced by Fusarium venenatum IR372C from date waste as substrate. Journal of the
Science of Food and Agriculture. 100(12). pp.4433-4441.
Ingredients. Microbial Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals. 123.
Kalhotra, P., and et.al., 2019. Chrysin in Combination with Insulin Promotes Glucose Uptake in
Skeletal Muscle Cell: Impact of Combination Therapy in Diabetes Myopathy (P01-031-
Souza Filho, P.Fand et.al., 2019. Mycoprotein: environmental impact and health aspects. World
Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 35(10). pp.1-8.
Whittaker, J.A.and et.al., 2020. The biotechnology of Quorn mycoprotein: past, present and
future challenges. In Grand Challenges in Fungal Biotechnology (pp. 59-79). Springer,
Cham.
Online
Mycoprotein: Beneficial Vegetarian Protein Source or Dangerous Allergen., 2018. [Online].
Available through: <https://draxe.com/nutrition/mycoprotein/>
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