Researchers have discovered which meat promotes rapid muscle growth (3 photos)

American scientists conducted a study involving 16 physically active individuals who performed resistance training. After the workout, each participant ate one of three meals: a lean pork burger, a fatty pork burger, or a carbohydrate drink. Blood and muscle protein tests taken before the meal and again five hours later revealed differences.





After several days of recovery, the athletes underwent the procedure again.

It turned out that those who ate the lean pork burger had significantly increased levels of amino acids in their blood. Amino acids are the building blocks the body uses to repair and grow muscle tissue.

At the same time, consuming high-fat pork weakened the muscle-building response. This suggests that lean protein sources are most effective for recovery and strength gains after exercise.

Nicholas Byrd, professor of health and exercise science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, called the study results "surprising."

"We found that not all high-quality animal products are created equal. For example, high-fat pork slows down the response. People who consumed high-fat pork had only a slightly higher potential for muscle growth than those who chose carbohydrate-rich sports drinks."



At the beginning of the study, participants received a dose of amino acids. This allowed the scientists to monitor the rate of their absorption into muscle tissue.

Biopsies taken before and after the infusion provided information on muscle protein synthesis from amino acids.

Consuming lean pork accelerates protein synthesis by 47% compared to fatty pork.

Professor Bird noted that interpreting the results is difficult, as processing the pork into patties could have altered the rate and extent of nutrient absorption.



The meat was taken from a single pig. The patties were sent to a lab for nutrient analysis and then frozen to preserve their nutritional value until consumed by the participants.

"It took a year to find the perfect fat ratio," Bird shared.

He added: "If you eat other whole foods, like eggs or salmon, they are healthier, even though they don't increase blood amino acid levels."

The results of the experiment were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

While proper nutrition can be beneficial, strength training plays a key role in building muscle mass.