Name: Why plant-based meats are healthier than regular meats, according to dietitians
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Why plant-based meats are healthier than regular meats, according to dietitians

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A white circle with a black border surrounding a chevron pointing up. It indicates 'click here to go back to the top of the page.'Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.A check mark. It indicates that the relevant content has been reviewed and verified by an expertOur stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful information about your health and wellness. For more information, visit ourRedeem nowThe industry has grown immensely over the past few years, making it readily available nationwide. It's not a new concept — veggie meats have been around when John Harvey Kellogg developed the peanut-based "meatless meat," called Nuttose. Now, you can find a plant-based burger at or .Alternative meats have skyrocketed in popularity due to a rise in overall awareness about meat's impact on the and .For example, if every American replaced all beef, chicken, and pork in their diet with a vegetarian option, that would save —&nbsp;or roughly Ohio's entire yearly emissions. Decreasing animal product consumption also prevents water scarcity as more than of Americans' freshwater use is for livestock production.&nbsp;But are these processed plant-based meats healthier than their authentic counterparts? We spoke to two dietitians to find out.&nbsp;To put it simply, plant-based meat is meat made from plants. It is created and manufactured to appear, feel, and taste like conventional meat from animal products.&nbsp;Nowadays, you can find plant-based meat in the freezer section of most local supermarkets or grocery stores. Usually, plant-based meats come frozen, but some health food stores may carry fresh cold cuts in the deli section.&nbsp;There are multiple forms of this veggie-based alternative, such as nuggets, sausage, burger patties, and . Some popular brands that carry plant-based products include the following:&nbsp;But not all plant-based meats are made the same.&nbsp;"A few years ago, the base of most plant-based burgers was vegetables, oat, or beans. Now, with plant-based foods gaining more popularity, there are many more options. Two of the most popular brands, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, utilize pea protein or soy protein concentrate in their burgers, both of which closely mimic the texture and taste of real beef," says , RDN, a registered dietitian with a private practice.&nbsp;Some of the in plant-based meat are the following:&nbsp;Important: Plant-based meat is usually more expensive compared to the same quantity of animal-based meat. For example, a Beyond Meat patty costs about $3-$5 while a regular beef patty costs about $1 to $2."Regular meats are mass-produced in animal agriculture, as compared to plant-based meats which are developed on a way smaller scale, which makes it more pricey," Geiger says. Plant-based meats also contain a variety of whole foods, such as produce and spices, which are generally more expensive.Yes, plant-based meats are generally healthy when eaten in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, Geiger says. And Lal agrees, adding that "plant-based meat is a healthier option compared to meat."For context, here is the nutritional breakdown of regular meat compared to their most popular plant-based alternative:&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alternative meats seem to have lower amounts of total and saturated fat, higher amounts of fiber, and comparable amounts of protein and calories," says , RD, a registered dietitian with a private practice.Eating foods high in saturated and trans fat can result in , increasing your risk of chronic diseases like . intake, on the other hand, can reduce the risk of developing breast, colon, and other digestive-related cancers.What the research says: A small examined the health effects of plant-based meats versus animal meat. Researchers found participants who ate at least two servings of plant-based meat for eight weeks lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease compared to participants who ate the same amount of animal meat — primarily beef and pork —&nbsp;for the same duration.&nbsp;&nbsp;, in particular, is tied to an increased risk of chronic diseases like and . Processed meats like sausage, bacon, and hot dogs also increase the risk of .However, plant-based meats are far from perfect. "They typically have higher amounts of sodium, usually in an attempt to make it more palatable and shelf-stable," Lal says. Too much can cause adverse health effects, including and .&nbsp;Plant-based meats are also and filled with , such as refined and modified food starch. Research from the National Institutes of Health suggests that processed foods cause people to and ultimately gain more weight.Plant-based meats can fit into a healthy diet when eaten in moderation no more than a couple times a week, but do not make it your only source of protein. Stick to whole foods instead, Lal says.&nbsp;Luckily, plant-based meats are not the only source of vegetable-based protein. Here are some healthier sources:Plant-based meats are a healthier choice compared to animal meats. Although these alternative meats may seem like an appealing source of protein to incorporate into your everyday diet, they are still highly processed and high in sodium. They are good for the environment and contain some nutrients, so the key is to eat them in moderation.&nbsp;Consuming more whole-food, plant-based protein sources like quinoa or lentils is another way to help you get adequate protein and other essential nutrients to optimize health.&nbsp;It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.

A white circle with a black border surrounding a chevron pointing up. It indicates 'click here to go back to the top of the page.'Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.A check mark. It indicates that the relevant content has been reviewed and verified by an expertOur stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful information about your health and wellness. For more information, visit ourRedeem nowThe industry has grown immensely over the past few years, making it readily...

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Why plant-based meats are healthier than regular meats, according to dietitians

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