By Tarun Sai Lomte Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc. Jan 19 2026 A controlled feeding trial shows that minimally processed pork, when incorporated into a plant-forward dietary pattern, delivers biomarker benefits comparable to those of legumes in healthy older adults without harming cognitive or physical aging markers. Study: Effects of Minimally Processed Red Meat within a Plant-Forward Diet on Biomarkers of Physical and Cognitive Aging: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Feeding Trial .