Plant-based meat is one of the most promising trends in the health and environmental sectors. Some people are opting for the sake of the environment, while others for its health and safety reasons. They are also on the verge of replacing the meat products for accessibility, price, and taste. Another way to replace meat recipes for plant-based meat from famed chefs and health experts from around the globe.
The high focus on providing plant-based meat with similar texture, appearance, and protein content of real meat is also growing. It is also touching the sweet points of environmentalists, which is by cutting down the emissions of farming cattle for dairy and meat products. There are also a variety of burgers, sausages, chicken wings that are almost close to the meat. When cooked properly, there might be negligible differences between plant-based and regular meat.
How healthy or nutritious is plant-based meat?
When it comes to plant-based meat, people are ready to accept its meat-like taste, texture, and juiciness. But, of course, people would still doubt the nutritious value of plant-based meat and might question if it actually contains enough proteins to replace the normal meat. And many plant-based meat developers are answering these questions by adding giving similar amounts of nutrients that can be compared to those of regular meat.
To begin, researches have shown that switching way to replace meat can have numerous positive effects on health. They are known to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension that are often associated with meat-based products. So, in simple terms switching to plant-based meat can reduce the risks of chronic diseases while improving health on the other hand.
Plant-based meats are sourced from healthy protein, which is low in cholesterol, fats, and calories, making it a perfect alternative for regular meat. The common ingredients include soy protein, water, yeast extracts, and other healthy additives. Another interesting part is being able to add healthy amounts of proteins, minerals, and other nutrients in significant amounts that are essential for healthy humans. Developers also add fiber to this plant-based meat, which is essential for digestion and metabolism, which is not present to a healthy extent in real meat.
Tyson, one of the world’s largest meat producers, is also venturing into plant-based meat companies. Brands like Burger King tied up with plant-based meat producers to role out some signature products in their chains. Big players like the Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat Burger are making big names, with possible disruption of the meat industry.
Plant-based meat culture might be mainstream now, but similar products have been used by cultures around the globe. Foods like tempeh and tofu have amazing benefits. These foods can be cooked to taste and feel just like meat. Tempeh is packed with rich amounts of proteins, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. Tofu is also as juicy and chewy as meat, which is loaded with all nine essential amino acids, iron, calcium, copper, zinc, and other essential nutrients.
The other health factor is the sensitivities of people eating meat where the cattle are fed growth hormones, antibiotics, or other chemicals. On the other hand, plant-based meat does not contain these chemicals, making them another great option.
Another similar culture to plant-based meat is cultured or lab-grown meat. These are made in food production plants or labs by using animal cells, which avoids all the fuss of captivating or slaughtering animals for consumption.
Environmental factors to be considered
Global land consumed for raising livestock is around 26%. The world could help in restoring these land into forests or natural green habitats, which could reduce carbon and add oxygen to the atmosphere. It can also reduce the amount of fecal and toxic gases produced by animals.
It was also reported that domesticated animals are responsible for a carbon emission of around 32 billion tons.
These factors portray that replacing livestock and its meat with plant-based meat is highly beneficial to the environment with possible reversing effects of global warming. It could also be compared to switching from fossil fuels to more reliable sources such as solar energy or wind energy.
Experts claim that it could be difficult to convince meat lovers to go vegan for health or environmental reasons. Instead of giving them an alternate of plant-based meat is more feasible and approachable.
Individuals switching to plant-based meat should also make sure to follow a healthy diet that includes nutritious veggies. A focus should also be on adding foods with essential nutrients that are not available in plant-based meat.
Conclusion:
Yes, plant-based meat is a healthy alternative to meat products. But, however, it is also essential to check the processing, fat content, and other additives which could be allergic. While choosing plant-based meat, it is also essential to consider the products that are non-GMO, more organic, and which have little to no negative impacts on the health and environment.