Could beans and lentils beat red meat for a healthier heart?

This trial investigates whether replacing red or processed meat with pulses (like beans, lentils, and chickpeas) can improve markers of heart health and change the gut microbiome. Participants are adults aged 18-65 with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles who eat at least three servings of red or processed meat per week. They are assigned to either keep their usual diet, swap red meat for pulses, or swap red meat for a mix of pulses and plant-based meat substitutes. The study measures changes in cholesterol, blood TMAO levels, and gut bacteria over time.