A recent Nutrients study compares the nutrient content of ready-to-use meat alternatives with real meat products. Study: Analysis of the Nutritional Composition of Ready-to-Use Meat Alternatives in Belgium . Image Credit: Antonina Vlasova / Shutterstock.
com Recently, many people around the world have expressed interest in meat alternatives due to religious, ecological, ethical, or health reasons. Most of the adult population in Belgium eats vegetarian food at least once a week, with one recent study reporting that the number of Belgians who eat meat and fish every day is gradually declining. Some of the environmental effects associated with the production of animal-based food include approximately 25% of global greenhouse (GHG) emissions, deforestation and significant amounts of land and water requirements.
Many studies have highlighted that higher consumption of plant-based foods and reduced intake of animal-based protein sources can have a positive impact on the planet and human health. Legumes are the most widely accepted alternative protein source to animal products, whereas insects and cultured meat are significantly less popular alternative protein sources. As compared to individuals who regularly consume animal proteins, those adhering to a healthy plant-based diet are at a significantly reduced risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes type 2, chronic kidney disease, and several types of cancer.
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