As the years pass by, the culinary landscape is getting widened by a plethora of new evolutions. Over time, the demand for taste has witnessed a seismic shift and people have started prioritising their health and the ecosystem around them. And as the need for sustainable and cruelty-free dining options have made headlines, many have started practicing veganism.
Plant-based meats proudly offer taste and health almost like that of real meat counterparts. Yet, there’s always a never-ending debate and myths about the nutritional profiles of vegan meat. Do plant-based options lag in the protein race? Let’s explore further to know the details.
Why is plant-based meat gaining popularity?
The uproar of plant-based meats brought a culinary revolution in the food market driven by a number of factors such as– ethical consciousness, sustainability, care for the environment, and a search for healthier substitutes for meat. For all those who think, plant-based meat involves just lentil patties and tofu, here’s some news for you, vegan alternatives of meat have evolved a lot, and they taste and feel so much like the original meat that you may not be able to make a difference.
Apart from the taste, the environmental impact, including cutting trees, water wastage, and emission of greenhouse gas, has pushed the new generation to look beyond regular meat. Veganism is considered ethical for animal welfare and that’s another reason for people to opt for a more conscientious and harmonious lifestyle.
Does vegan meat provide enough protein?
Contrary to popular belief, plant-based meats get their protein from different vegan sources which are meticulously combined to create an overall nutritional profile. Some of the important ingredients are yellow peas, soy protein and wheat gluten which are the top players to mirror the protein density of the real meat in vegan meat.
Meanwhile, some of the obvious and most used ingredients in plant-based diets are lentils, legumes, chickpeas, and more. These are high in protein and a perfect symphony of taste and nutrition. However, just to understand better, let’s explore a comparison of the nutritional value of protein in plant-based meat vs real meat-
An average chicken breast contains about 31 grams of protein per 114 grams of serving. So, considering the amount, a vegan meat alternative can battle the real meat with 20-25 grams of protein per serving.
Not just protein, plant-based meat is filled with the goodness of a number of vitamins and nutrients like iron, zinc, B12, Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, calcium, and more.
What are the health benefits of plant-based meat?
Although there are multiple health benefits of adding plant-based meat to your diet, here are a few notable ones.
Controlled cholesterol and saturated fat
Vegan meats generally rank lower in saturated fats as compared to traditional meats. That means if one consumes more plant-based meat there is a lesser chance of health risk, especially heart disease. Also, vegan meat is considered cholesterol-free, which contributes to one’s heart health.
Controlled weight
Plant-based meats contain relatively lower calorie count and higher fiber quantity than animal-based counterparts. Meanwhile, the goodness of fibre in vegan meat can prompt a feeling of fullness, leading to weight management and a lesser risk of obesity.
Reduced risk of hazardous diseases
Vegan meat has often been linked to a lesser risk of severe diseases like type 2 diabetes, blood pressure and some cancers. This is because a plant-based diet is stuffed with antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fibre which immensely contribute to good health.
Better gut health
Plant-based diet including vegan meat boasts of fibre. An adequate amount of fibre intake in a routine will not just keep you fit but also take care of risks associated with gut health like constipation, diarrhea and more.
Balanced blood sugar levels
Vegan meat can help in keeping the blood sugar levels in check, making it beneficial for the ones who are dealing with or have a risk of type 2 diabetes. This happens due to complex carbohydrates present in the plant-based ingredients which release glucose slowly. It eventually prevents blood sugar levels from rising.
Improved heart health
Plant-based meats have often been associated with better heart health. Vegan meat lowers the saturated fat intake and increases heart-healthy fats from nuts and seeds. This improves cardiovascular health and reduces heart disease related risks.
Improved immune system
Vegan meat has a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants derived from plants. These nutrients play an important role in improving overall health and immunity.