The majority of food manufacturers and fast-food restaurants cater to the anti-carnivore craze. Current faux meat products have significantly improved in terms of quality and accessibility, but at what cost? Find out if plant-based products are "meeting" consumers' needs for healthy and sustainable products.
The majority of food manufacturers and fast-food restaurants cater to the anti-carnivore craze. Current faux meat products have significantly improved in terms of quality and accessibility, but at what cost? Find out if plant-based products are "meeting" consumers' needs for healthy and sustainable products.
Health
Red meat accounts for approximately 58 percent of all meat consumed in the United States. The United States consumes meat at a rate that is more than three times that of the rest of the world. A diet high in red meat has been shown to increase the risk of chronic disease.
In a study of over 37,000 Americans, those who consumed the most plant protein were found to be 29% less likely to die from heart disease. In addition, replacing one serving of red or processed meat with nuts, legumes (beans, lentils), and whole grains was associated with a 47 percent lower risk of heart disease in men.
Environment
The current factory farming method is harmful to animal welfare, the environment, and our health. The amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, released into the environment as a result of human activity is referred to as the carbon footprint.
Greenhouse gases can have an impact on climate change depending on how much is present in the environment, how long they remain there, and how strongly they impact the atmosphere. Conventional livestock contributes about 15% of all greenhouse-gas emissions. Each factory-farmed cow emits approximately 220 pounds of methane into the atmosphere, which absorbs the sun's heat and thus warms the atmosphere.
Plant-based goods
Food companies have recognized the meat-free movement and are responding to consumer demand with more plant-based products. Approximately 28% of American consumers prefer meat substitutes. However, not all plant-based foods are created equal in terms of health and the environment.
Plant-based health products raise some concerns as well. The Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger, which are available in many supermarkets and fast-food restaurants, contain approximately 20 ingredients. Generally, the more ingredients on a food label, the more processed it is.
When looking for a substitute, look for one with a shorter ingredient list and ingredients that are straightforward, such as brown rice, seeds, vegetables, and herbs. Sunshine Burgers, Garden Herb Burgers, and Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers are a few examples.
Plant-based meats help to reduce some greenhouse gases, but they are not without consequences. The shift away from real foods necessitates the production of more synthetic ingredients, packaging, and mass-produced crops.
Soy, corn and wheat are common ingredients in plant-based products, and they are all genetically modified. Although it is unknown what effect genetically modified foods have on our bodies, current research indicates that they may be harmful to the environment.
The healthy way to eat plants
Plant-based products can be an excellent choice for vegans, vegetarians, and those attempting to eat less meat. They're great to have on hand as a burger replacement from time to time.
Switching to a more plant-based diet can have enormous health and environmental benefits. The secret is to eat whole-plant foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, colorful fruits and vegetables, and legumes like beans.
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