A recent trial indicates that opting for plant-based imitation meat products may not be as beneficial for health as previously thought and could potentially elevate the risk of heart disease.
Over the past few years, the world has seen the rise of fake mat companies like Beyond Meat, and Impossible Foods. By 2022, Beyond Meat, renowned for its plant-based sausages and burger patties, generated $418.9 million in revenue, while Impossible Foods recorded $460 million in sales. In 2023, the worldwide revenue of plant-based meat companies reached approximately $10 billion, marking a significant increase from its value of $4.66 billion in 2018, as reported by Statista.
The Study
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, revealed that individuals consuming a diet rich in fake meats such as Beyond burgers and Impossible burgers over eight weeks exhibited higher blood sugar levels than those who consumed real meat.
Over the course of eight weeks, half of the participants in the study ate their regular meat-containing diet, while the other half ate fake meat alternatives. All participants took blood tests at the beginning of the trial to monitor changes in sodium and cholesterol, as well as continuously wore glucose monitors to look at blood sugars in real time.
After the two-month trial, there was no difference between cholesterol in the two groups. The findings show that those who ate real meat had more stable blood sugar and lower blood levels of sodium, meaning they had a lower risk of full-blown diabetes. Researchers suggest this may be due to carbohydrates in the form of additives added to the fake meat products, which can spike blood glucose levels.
Back in 2022, researchers from Australia found that one serving of plant-based mince meat contained more than 2,000 mg of salt, which almost tops out your daily recommended amount of 2,300 mg, according to Australian health recommendations.
The Takeaway
The main takeaway from this study highlights the importance of understanding that not all plant-based diets are created equal, and in some cases, they can do more harm than good. Whether you're a plant-based diet advocate or a traditional meat eater, looking at the contents of your food rather than the category they are in is the most important thing you can do for your health.
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