Recent years have seen a rising curve. when we speak about the popularity of plant-based meats as fitness enthusiasts look for the best among the healthier food options available.
These products have the flavour and texture of meat without using any animal ingredients, however, it is important to weigh the possible perks and pitfalls of prioritising plant-based meats.
Perks of consuming plant-based meats
There are several benefits of switching to plant-based meats. For regular meat consumers it helps them avoid issues related to meat consumption. In India these are primarily related to higher incidence of lifestyle diseases and vulnerability of organised meat production to claims of antibiotics and hormone use which can create endocrine disturbance and resistance to antibiotics.
For vegetarians, it helps them decreases reliance on milk, and milk based products for daily protein. Plant-based meats serve as a protein-rich alternative to reduce reliance on meat or milk based food choices, as they both are high in fat, therefore, not the most preferred choice among those battling the woes of high cholesterol.
As milk, paneer are also high in fat consumers with high cholesterol or body weight issues may struggle to have adequate protein if told by their doctor to reduce/avoid milk products. Plant based meat products available from leading companies that are very low in cholesterol compared to meat/milk based products have potential to improve diets for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian consumers, especially those already diagnosed or at risk of heart disease.
Plant-based meats offers health perks right from reducing cholesterol levels to bolstering your heart health. Usually, the common choices of base for plant-based meats are soy, peas, lentils, which have less saturated fat content in comparison to its animal-based alternative. Their benefits also extends to improving one’s cardiovascular health.
Pitfalls of trying out plant-based meats
The two disadvantages that consumers should build their awareness around is primarily based on the selection procedure of your plant-based meats, given the grim reality is that companies are still in the habit of infusing palm oil, known to have a high content of trans fat. Lastly, health-conscious consumers should should be sure of the form of meat they eat such as the plant-based keema.
