Impact of Beef's Unique Food Matrix on Human Health

The primary goal of the proposed research is to document changes in plasma lipoprotein fractions, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle sizes and functionality, following the ground beef interventions. This specifically addresses the hypothesis that increasing the amount of fat in ground beef reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Also, the investigators will measure changes in glucose, insulin, and triacylglycerols (TAG) following low-fat and high-fat ground beef interventions. An important aspect of this research is that the investigators will confirm that consumption of high-fat ground beef will reduce carbohydrate intake and increase insulin sensitivity in men. Furthermore, the investigators will be able to establish which protein sources are voluntarily replaced by the low- and high-fat ground beefs.