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Plant-based meats such as Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are gaining popularity worldwide for their convincing meaty taste as well as eco-sustainability. Many restaurants, including fast-food chains McDonalds and MOS Burger, have started offering these on their menu.
Are these good options for health in the long term?
Meat substitutes
There is much scientific evidence that a plant-based diet – reducing intake of meat and increasing intake of vegetables, beans, and nuts – can reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Plant-based meats can be a good starting point to reduce red meat consumption.
On the other hand, meat substitutes are still considered processed food. They are made from processed pea and soy protein, and are high in sodium and other additives which can raise blood pressure.
Plant-based or not, burgers are also typically served with french fries, soft drinks, and ice cream – which negate any benefits of a plant-based meat alternative. It is still more important to consider the components of the entire meal, rather than one single aspect.
Food grown from stem cells
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