Plant-based fake meats can cause real health risks: study

Food & Drink

By Alex Mitchell

Good for the environment — but what about your body?

Trendy plant-based meats could be triggering health issues less frequently seen in humans who prefer to chow down on the real thing, a new study warns.

Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared the impacts of protein alternatives, scientifically known as plant-based meat analogues, or PBMAs, to actual meat dishes — and the experts didn’t necessarily like what they found.

During an eight-week period of analysis, it turned out that actual beef provided more protein than its imposter — while typically being higher in sodium, a problem for those struggling with hypertension.

Also, PBMAs contained high levels of potassium and calcium, possibly triggering issues with blood sugar control in ways not observed among meat eaters.

“This suggests that assumptions of health benefits from consuming [plant-based meats] may not be directly extrapolated to those consuming a [plant-based diet],” the researchers said.

Previous research found that plant-based diets overall have been found to show little health benefits to counterpart foods.

In another study, veganism was found to launch the female libido up to 380%.

The medical news comes as well-known brand Beyond Meat experiences tanking sales. The company has been making attempts to cut fat from its products by 60% recently.

And while the jury may still be out, that hasn’t stopped the likes of Bill Gates from giving meat alternatives a strong vote of confidence.

“I think eventually these products will be very good, even though their share is small today,” Gates told Redditors in a recent online discussion.