Rice and Beans + Exercise for Muscle Health

(CompProtein Trial)

This trial aims to explore how rice and beans affect muscle health compared to isolated nutrients after exercise. Researchers seek to understand how these foods influence amino acid levels and muscle protein growth. Participants will consume both meals after workouts to determine which more effectively boosts muscle health. Ideal candidates are healthy, active adults aged 20 to 35 who have maintained a stable weight for the past six months. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to groundbreaking research on nutrition and exercise.

The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications, especially those affecting protein metabolism, endocrine function, or muscle mass, such as prescription-strength corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and certain dietary supplements, at least 6 weeks before participation.

Research has shown that rice and beans are generally safe and easy to digest. They provide protein and fiber, aiding muscle recovery after exercise. Studies also indicate that plant-based proteins, like those in rice and beans, support muscle health and overall well-being when part of a well-planned diet.

The trial includes basic nutrients similar to those in a rice and beans meal. These nutrients include amino acids (components of proteins) and carbohydrates, resembling everyday foods and safe in the trial's amounts.

Researchers are excited about the Rice and Beans + Exercise treatment for muscle health because it leverages a whole-food approach, providing a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and minimal fat in a natural form. Unlike standard protein supplements or isolated nutrient drinks, this treatment uses a complete meal of rice and black beans, which may offer additional benefits like fiber and phytonutrients found in whole foods. This approach could potentially enhance muscle recovery and growth following exercise, offering a more holistic and accessible alternative to traditional supplementation.

This trial will compare the effects of a rice and beans meal with isolated nutrients on muscle health. Research has shown that eating rice and beans together provides a complete protein, as rice supplies the nutrients that beans lack, and vice versa. This combination offers all the essential components needed for muscle growth. In one study with mice, a similar diet improved muscle mass and strength. Although this does not directly prove the same effect in humans, it suggests that this combination could enhance muscle health.¹⁶⁷⁸⁹