A recently published study from Scientific Journal, ‘Future Foods’ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666833522000612?fbclid=IwAR376q4N7rnxBRUCeZEq065sTrSWnb0dlFhafCn-85uUjIRHKZEdqPai_mg confirms that eating plant-based meats and dairy are healthier and surely better for the planet. It involved 43 studies regarding this as well as how consumers of these products relate to what they are eating; with 90 percent of consumers who ate these faux meat and dairy products being meat-eaters. The study focused on the health of plant-based products, with one paper finding 40 percent of conventional meat products as “less healthy” based on United Kingdom’s Nutrient Profiling Model, in comparison to just 14 percent of plant-based alternatives. The papers found plant-based alternatives were a great alternative to provide weight loss and building body mass, and helping with specific medical conditions.
Excerpts from the study: “Although most consumers correctly view (plant-based meat) as more nutritionally sound alternatives, their perception as unnatural or overly processed can lead some to incorrectly infer that they are unhealthy and/or harmful in other ways.” This perception may be exacerbated by interests in the conventional animal product industry who seek to cast public doubt on these competing products. Consumers and policymakers must resist the heuristic that animal meat is natural and therefore better, and instead listen to the science, which suggests that (plant-based meat) can be sustainable and healthy part of our future protein landscape.” There is not a doubt that the meat and dairy industries play a role in casting doubt among consumers.
In addition, one paper found daily consumption of plant-based meat associated with 49 percent lower risk of hip fracture. Two separate studies found that, comparing chicken, meat produced from mycoprotein, (fungi) led to a large reduction to insulin, reducing insulin release in overweight people.
The scientific consensus in the report noted that these companies have been able to with elite ingredients like fungi, microalgae, and spirulina to plant-based alternatives enhancing the ability for amino acids, Vitamins B, E and antioxidants for further nutritional values. Further, one paper noted how turning legumes into plant-based meat can enhance people’s ability to digest them, while also enhancing gut health and lowering cholesterol.
The author Chris Bryant, PhD, University of Bath says, “These products are able to shift demand away from animal products, and are able to do this far more effectively than whole plant foods, as they hit the key drivers consumers are looking for — taste, price and convenience.”
SUSTAINABILITY
The study concluded that plant-based products required much less agricultural land, used way less water, less greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and less energy than animal derived products.
“I have found overwhelming evidence that, as well as being far more sustainable compared to animal products in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, water use and land use, plant-based animal product alternatives also have a wide range of health benefits.” Dr. Bryant said.
We all know Animal Agriculture is the leading cause of Global Climate Change, by creating more greenhouse gases and emissions than all the planes, trucks, trains, ships and cars combined.
Add to the water usage and pollution to our waterways and air leading to ocean acidification and desertification, and wildfires caused by droughts equals environmental refugees. Be smart, eat vegan.
CONCLUSION
“More research funding is now needed to make these improvements a reality, ensuring manufacturers can make products that taste better, are healthier and provide consumers with sustainable options that are more likely to reduce demand for meat,” Dr. Bryant said.
Fact: Did you know that the artisan vegan cheeses are fermented and help with your gut flora unlike real dairy which causes inflammation and a myriad of diseases?
Make the switch today to the many delicious alternative meat and dairy selections available. Save the animals, your health and our precious planet. Happening right now dire droughts where animals aren’t getting the water needed to survive, including many of us who are rationing in Mexico California, and Texas right now, and around the world.
Please feel free to ask me what are some of my favorite products to use. Being mostly whole-foods plant-based I do on occasion have faux alternatives. I highly recommend a whole-foods plant based diet with some of the alternatives on rare occasions. But definitely better than using the less-healthy eating of animals, which are high consumers of our precious resources! Think of all the grain to grow to feed all of these animals. Consuming artisan made dairy products and whole foods products like below is the key to great health.
