Advantages and Disadvantages of Plant-Based Meat

Many individuals feel that eating more plant-based foods would improve their health as well as the environment. Plant-based meat has the potential to be a long-term solution to global environmental issues. Some individuals, however, may be sceptical that it delivers the same nutrients as meat.

People refer to meals that resemble meat but are produced entirely of plants as "plant-based meat." Vegetarian-friendly alternatives to the following types and forms of meat and fish can be found in these products:

●       sausages

●       ground meat

●       prawns

●       burgers

●       tuna

●       salmon

●       chicken

●       scampi

 Are plant-based meats good for you?

Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are all found in plant-based substances, and they all offer health advantages. In addition, studies shows that plant-based diets can help with weight loss, diabetes, and the microbiota. It also implies that they may aid in the prevention of a variety of health problems, including hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, official bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) are concerned about carcinogens found in red and processed meats, which may raise the risk of cancer. Eating more plant protein instead of meat, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), may enhance heart health.

Some plant-based goods, on the other hand, may include fillers and salt, as well as saturated fats. Furthermore, while some producers include vitamin B12 — a necessary nutrient for the human body — in their goods, others do not, making plant-based meats inferior in this aspect. Plant-based meats may also be deficient in zinc and other micronutrients compared to conventional meat.

 

 A decreased risk of heart disease can be achieved by eating less red meat.

Researchers in a small 2020 study requested 36 participants to eat animal products as part of their regular diet for 8 weeks, then switch to plant-based foods for another 8 weeks while keeping the rest of their diet as close as possible.

The researchers found improvements in numerous cardiovascular disease risk variables among the patients at the conclusion of the trial, including lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Participants ingested less saturated fat and more fibre during the plant-based stage than they did during the meat stage, while their salt intake remained consistent throughout the research.

 

Sodium levels in plant-based meats may be greater.

 

Plant-based goods were nutritionally evaluated and compared to their animal equivalents in a 2019 research. The study took conducted in Australia, where participants tried 50 burgers, 10 mince goods, 29 sausages, 24 chicken products, nine fish items, and 15 other meat alternatives from shops.

Only 4% of the plant-based foods had lower salt levels than their animal counterparts. The salt level of plant-based foods was usually under 500 milligrammes per 100 grammes (mg/100 g). This, however, varied significantly, with some goods containing as much as 1,200 mg/100 g, or 3 g, of salt.

 

The salt level varied based on the product type, according to the study. The salt level of plant-based mince was almost six times higher than that of meat-based mince. Meat sausages, on the other hand, had 66 percent higher salt than plant-based sausages.

 

How to Choose Plant-Based Meats That Are Healthier

People may pick healthier plant-based meats by glancing at the ingredients or nutrition labels while shopping or eating out. Some things to keep an eye out for are:

●      Entire foods including beans, legumes, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds are included in the nutrient-dense ingredient list.

●      Saturated fat that account  for less than 10% of total calories.

●      Lower salt intake, since the government recommends no more than 2,300 mg each day.

●      Vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D, have been added.