Should you be consuming plant based meat?

Plant-based meat is a food product that is designed to replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional composition of traditional meat, using only plant-based ingredients such as soy, wheat, and pea protein. This type of meat has gained popularity in recent years due to its perceived health and environmental benefits, and it is often viewed as a more ethical and sustainable alternative to animal meat. As a result, many major food companies and fast-food chains have started to offer plant-based meat options on their menus, and the market for these products is expected to continue growing

 Please find 20 advantages of eating plant-based meat with supporting evidence:

1. Lower risk of chronic diseases: A plant-based diet can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes due to its lower saturated fat and cholesterol content. (Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
2. Reduced risk of food-borne illnesses: Plant-based meat is free from harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, which are commonly found in traditional meat. (Source: Harvard Health Publishing)
3. Better for the environment: Plant-based meat requires less land, water, and energy to produce compared to traditional meat, and has a smaller carbon footprint. (Source: Environmental Science and Technology)
4. Lower risk of antibiotic resistance: Antibiotics are commonly used in traditional meat production, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. Plant-based meat does not require antibiotics. (Source: World Health Organization)
5. Improved animal welfare: Plant-based meat does not require animals to be raised and slaughtered, which reduces animal suffering. (Source: PLOS One)
6. Lower risk of food contamination: Plant-based meat does not require refrigeration or special handling, which reduces the risk of contamination during storage and transportation. (Source: Food Control)
7. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Plant-based meat production emits less greenhouse gases than traditional meat production, which helps to mitigate climate change. (Source: The Lancet)
8. Cost-effective: Plant-based meat is often cheaper than traditional meat, making it more accessible to consumers. (Source: Sustainability)
9. Better for water resources: Plant-based meat production requires less water than traditional meat production, which helps to conserve water resources. (Source: Journal of Cleaner Production)
10. Increased food security: Plant-based meat production can help to address food insecurity by providing a more sustainable and affordable source of protein. (Source: Global Food Security)
11. Reduced deforestation: Traditional meat production often involves the destruction of forests for pasture and feed production. Plant-based meat production does not require deforestation. (Source: Scientific American)
12. Improved soil health: Plant-based meat production can help to improve soil health by reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides. (Source: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment)
13. Increased biodiversity: Plant-based meat production can help to preserve biodiversity by reducing the destruction of natural habitats for livestock farming. (Source: Biological Conservation)
14. Lower risk of obesity: Plant-based meat is often lower in calories and fat than traditional meat, which can help to reduce the risk of obesity. (Source: Nutrition Reviews)
15. Reduced risk of heart disease: Plant-based meat is free from cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)
16. Improved gut health: Plant-based meat is high in fibre, which can help to improve gut health and reduce the risk of colon cancer. (Source: Nutrients)
17. Reduced risk of kidney disease: Plant-based meat is often lower in protein than traditional meat, which can help to reduce the risk of kidney disease. (Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
18. Better for brain health: Plant-based meat is often rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to improve brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. (Source: Nutrients)
19. Improved athletic performance: Plant-based meat is often rich in iron, which is essential for athletic performance. (Source: International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism)
20. Reduced risk of osteoporosis: Plant-based meat is often high in calcium, which can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. (Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)