Why Plant-Based Meat Alternatives are Not as Healthy as You Think

By now, you’ve probably heard about Impossible Burger or Beyond Meat as they have become hugely popular, especially for non-meat eaters. People claim they taste exactly like a juicy burger even though they are plant-based. Sadly, these meat alternatives have their downsides.

Plant-based burgers are heavily processed and high in saturated fat. They are also higher in sodium according to Harvard Health. A 4oz, 85% lean ground beef burger contains 80mg of sodium. An Impossible Burger contains 370 mg of sodium and Beyond Burger 390mg. This can cause a greater risk for people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and stomach cancer.

I understand that cows used for meat consumption produce methane gas which is incredibly bad for the environment. That was one reason Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger came into existence. Venture capitalists jumped on the bandwagon and invested more in fake meat than solar energy.

Alternative meat substitutes are made using ingredients such as pea protein, potato starch, hemp, soy, wheat protein, and potassium chloride. These mixtures are fortified with vitamins and minerals, which helps vegans and vegetarians meet the recommended nutritional requirements they may be missing with a meatless diet. It is important to note that some people cannot tolerate ingredients like soy or may have other food allergies so always read the ingredient labels.

Highly saturated fats, such as coconut and palm oil are often mixed into meat alternatives to give it a “meatier” taste. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and sometimes result in an unappetizing odor.

Processed fake meats

You can find plant-based meat swaps for chicken, beef, pork, fish as well as beef. Ingredients such as beetroot are sometimes used to give it a more authentic color. There are some benefits to meat alternatives as they help meat and potato eaters transition to a vegetarian diet. This can reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

Plant-based meats are filled with fiber which can be good and bad. Fiber is an important ingredient for good health but some people with digestive issues may suffer from fiber overload.

Health food vs real food

Not all “health foods” are good for you. It’s sad to say but trends and fads often create substandard products. Take gluten-free foods for example. Some contain starches that turn into sugar which could increase the risk of diabetes. Nut milk is highly concentrated with nuts and can cause digestive issues and often contain sweeteners.

Better alternatives for meat are beans, tempeh, lentils, jackfruit, mushrooms, nuts, or seeds.

I had an amazing “veggie” burger at a restaurant that was made with mushrooms, onions, and other “real food” ingredients and I couldn’t get enough of it.

Why you should rethink plant-based meat alternatives

A plant-based diet is a healthy way to eat and is much better for our environment. Just don’t make the mistake of substituting your protein needs for plant-based processed food marketed under the guise of health food. Real food consists of one ingredient rather than a list of ingredients like you would find in a packaged item. It is better, and healthier to keep it simple and stick to food as it was intended to be.