Benefits of plant-based meat
Plant-based meat not only brings the same flavor and texture as traditional meat but also contains less fat and cholesterol, helping consumers maintain better health. However, consuming plant meat also has benefits and limitations that need to be considered.
Dr. Navneet Deora, a food expert at Bluetribe Company (a plant-based meat alternative food manufacturer in India), said that plant meat helps consumers avoid problems related to animal meat consumption such as antibiotics and hormones in livestock.
In particular, this product helps vegetarians supplement protein without having to depend on milk and cheese - foods rich in fat that are not good for health.
Plant meat, often made from soy, peas and lentils, is low in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to animal meat, helping to maintain stable cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health.
Dr. Sangeeta Tiwari, a nutritionist at Artemis Hospital (India), added that many plant-based meat products are rich in fiber, which helps improve blood pressure and support digestive health.
In addition, the use of plant meat can help minimize negative impacts on the environment because the production process consumes less resources and emits lower greenhouse gases than the production of animal meat.
Disadvantages of plant-based meat
Although plant meat brings many benefits, it is not without disadvantages. Dr. Sangeeta Tiwari warns that plant meat may lack some essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron and omega-3 fatty acids, which are commonly found in animal foods.
In addition, many industrial plant-based meat products may contain additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients that are not good for health.
Sharing the same view, Kanikka Malhotra, a nutrition consultant in India, believes that consuming too much plant meat or choosing processed products can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health.
Controlling the nutritional composition of these products is very important, because some products may contain a lot of salt and unhealthy fats.
Conclusion
Plant-based meat is a good alternative to animal meat, helping to improve cardiovascular health, reduce cholesterol and support a healthy diet.
However, consumers need to pay attention to the nutritional composition of plant meat products, especially when they may lack some important vitamins and minerals.
To get the maximum benefits, it is necessary to combine plant meat with other whole foods such as cereals, vegetables and fruits, while maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.
