Plant-based meats may be the answer for you if you enjoy meat but are moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle and healthier eating practices. They are marketed as healthy substitutes for animal proteins, with advantages like less cholesterol and a decreased risk of cancer. However, worries regarding processed products and allergens are becoming more and more prevalent with them. It’s critical to comprehend the advantages of plant-based meats for your health as well as any possible concerns.
Low saturated fat: When compared to animal meats, plant-based meats have less saturated fat. Elevated cholesterol levels and an elevated risk of heart disease and stroke are associated with a high consumption of saturated fat. You can enhance heart health and reduce your consumption of saturated fat by opting for plant-based foods.
Rich in fibre: Whole grains, beans, and lentils are just a few of the elements that give plant-based meats their notable dietary fibre content. Because it encourages regular bowel movements and lowers the risk of illnesses like diverticulosis and constipation, fibre is essential for digestive health. Additionally, it lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes and aids in the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels.
No cholesterol: Plant-based meats don’t contain any dietary cholesterol, in contrast to animal meats. Elevated blood cholesterol levels raise the risk of heart disease and stroke by causing atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries. Diets high in plants can help reduce cholesterol and enhance cardiovascular health.
Reduces cancer risk: Research has linked diets heavy in processed and red meats to a higher risk of several malignancies, including colorectal cancer. Because they have less heme iron and don’t contain any carcinogenic substances that are created when animal meats are cooked at high temperatures, plant-based meats provide an alternative that may reduce this risk.
Sustainability: Compared to producing cattle, the production of plant-based meats usually uses less natural resources, such as land and water. Furthermore, plant-based diets are a more sustainable option for the health of the earth because they have a lower impact on greenhouse gas emissions and environmental deterioration.
Ultra-processed plant-based meats, however, appear to be unhealthy and may increase the risk of heart disease.
3 Reasons Why Ultra-processed plant-based Meat Substitutes Are Unhealthy:
High sodium content: To improve flavour and prolong shelf life, ultra-processed plant-based meats frequently have high salt contents. Overdosing on salt is linked to hypertension, or high blood pressure, which raises the risk of renal disease, heart disease, and stroke. Maintaining cardiovascular health requires selecting foods with lower salt content and keeping an eye on total sodium intake.
Processed nature: To replicate the flavour and texture of animal meats, a lot of highly processed plant-based meats go through a long processing procedure. This may entail the frequent and excessive consumption of additives, preservatives, and taste enhancers, all of which have the potential to be damaging to one’s health. Reduced exposure to these potentially dangerous components can be achieved by making homemade versions of plant-based meats or choosing lightly processed ones.
Potential allergens: Highly processed plant-based meats frequently include common allergens like soy, gluten, or nuts. You should carefully read product labels and select allergen-free options if you are allergic to or sensitive to any of these components. Allergen ingestion can result in negative reactions that range from minor discomfort to severe allergic reactions that need to be treated by a doctor.
