Benefits of vegetarian meats
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Benefits of vegetarian meats

By Gretel Morales - 2022-09-12T12:17:18Z
Until a couple of years ago, veganism and vegetarianism were reserved for those fighting for animal rights, but nowadays, these movements go beyond that, as they have also become lifestyles aimed at caring for the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We settled for chewy and dry wheat milanesa, textured soy that tasted like cardboard, and veggie burgers with a lot of condiments, but the technology industry shook the market by creating innovative options with better taste, texture, and health benefits. Today, we can choose from a multitude of plant-based products that try to mimic the taste and texture of beef, pork, and chicken. Brands like Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat have reached grocery stores, which also means that, with the existence of tastier alternatives, foods like soy meat, textured soy, and tofu have ceased to be the favorite protein of vegans and vegetarians.You can also read: Which plant milk is the healthiest?Is plant-based meat healthy?The University of Bath published a scientific study a couple of weeks ago, which indicates that besides being sustainable for the environment, plant-based 'meats' made from vegetable ingredients and plant milks are healthier options for consumers, giving us one more reason to try these types of foods. For the study, experts analyzed 43 scientific investigations and found that plant-based foods have many health benefits:Plant milk and meat could help with weight lossThis type of product could help gain muscleIn addition to this study, there are also more research studies that corroborate but also question the benefits of vegetarian meats; here we tell you everything you need to know about the topic. According to the WebMD portal, a scientific study published in 2021 found that plant meats “are a good source of fiber, folic acid, and iron, while also containing less saturated fat.” However, experts also discovered that this type of product has “less protein, zinc, and vitamin B12.” It’s worth mentioning that plant-based meats tend to contain much more salt. So keep this in mind when planning your weekly menu.You can also read: Myths and realities about glutenDifferent types of plant-based meat and their benefitsIf you're interested in learning more about plant proteins to find your best option, here we discuss the products available in the market and the benefits of each.Soy meatThe Cleveland Clinic indicates that consuming soy-based protein has fantastic health benefits.Lowers blood pressureContains less saturated fatNo cholesterolSoy contains fiber and Omega-3In addition to textured soy, you can also enjoy this ingredient by consuming tofu or tempeh.Meat made from plantsOptions like Beyond Burger or Impossible Burgers have gained ground in Mexico and around the world in recent years, as they have a delicious taste and texture. On one hand, the Beyond Burger contains pea protein, is gluten-free, and contains iron, vitamin B12, and zinc, according to the Healthline portal. Meanwhile, the Impossible Burger is made with potatoes and soy proteins and also contains vitamin B12, zinc, and iron.SeitanSeitan is another excellent option for vegans and vegetarians, as it is a type of 'plant meat' prepared with wheat gluten. Because it has a subtle flavor, it is ideal for preparing all kinds of dishes. According to Healthline, seitan contains a lot of protein, selenium, and iron, while being low in carbohydrates. It also contains calcium and potassium, but in very small amounts, so it’s best to pair it with a good portion of vegetables, leafy greens, seeds, nuts, and more.JackfruitCurrently, it is common to find dishes made like cochinita, tinga, or barbacoa made with jackfruit, a tropical fruit with a delicate and sweet flavor and a texture that can be shredded, making it a great option for cooking vegan and vegetarian dishes. Experts from Healthline point out that jackfruit provides few calories per serving and contains a small dose of iron, calcium, and potassium, but it is not a protein source.You can also read: The benefits of replacing sugar with monk fruitWhat do experts recommend?Like everything in life, the consumption of plant meats must be balanced. Professor Lisa Harnack from the University of Minnesota recommends that people read the nutritional information to choose a product that best aligns with their health and dietary goals. So, if you are vegetarian, vegan, or looking to reduce and replace animal product consumption with plant-based alternatives, it’s best to carefully read the label, check if the labeling indicates excess sodium or saturated fats, and choose the healthiest option.Now that you know different types of plant protein and their many benefits, consult your nutritionist and incorporate new ingredients into your diet.