Is Vegan Meat Really Better for You?

In 2021, a survey involving more than 1,000 individuals from the United States revealed that nearly two-thirds had consumed alternatives to meat derived from plants within the preceding year. A significant number of participants cited potential benefits for health and the environment as their primary motivation. However, it's important to question whether these substitute meat products truly offer advantages for both our well-being and the environment. So to do so, we must look at a few different points.

The first one which we are all familiar with, referred to as farmed meat, is sourced from animals that have been raised for consumption. This type of meat comprises a complex composition of muscle fibers, connective tissues, and fat. It has played a vital role in human diets throughout history. In contrast, the second contender, known as plant-based meat alternatives, closely mimics the appearance and taste of traditional meat. These alternatives are composed of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and other compounds sourced from plants. The process of crafting these plant-based alternatives to resemble meat is intricate.

The characteristic texture of meat is achieved through elongated proteins. To replicate this texture, plant proteins are extruded through a specialized device using heat and pressure, causing them to unravel and form extended filaments. To mimic animal fat, various companies incorporate fats and oils extracted from plants- such as coconut oil. Some brands even use beet juice to alter the color of the product as it cooks. Additionally, an iron-containing molecule called heme is integrated into certain alternatives to enhance the meaty flavor. The resulting products are available in various forms. The third contender, lab-grown meat, also known as cell-based or cultured meat, is created from animal stem cells that researchers cultivate to multiply and develop into muscle tissue.

It's worth noting that lab-grown meat is still primarily in the developmental stage, so the production process may evolve as it becomes more commercially viable. Now, when considering the health implications, traditional farmed meat is a crucial source of essential nutrients and protein for many individuals. However, some research has identified associations between diets high in red and processed meats and health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A study from 2012 suggested that substituting red meat with alternatives like poultry, nuts, or legumes for just one meal daily could potentially lower the risk of mortality by 7 to 19%.

Currently, there isn't enough data to determine whether replacing red meat with plant-based alternatives would yield the same benefits. Plant-based meat substitutes, while offering comparable amounts of protein, calories, and iron to traditional meat, are heavily processed and consequently contain higher sodium levels. Moreover, many of these alternatives contain coconut oil, which is rich in saturated fat and, similar to red meat, could potentially elevate the risk of heart disease. As for lab-grown meat, while it has the potential to provide similar nutritional qualities and health risks as traditional meat, certainty awaits further progress in product development.

When it comes to environmental considerations, animal agriculture is estimated to contribute around 14.5% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Studies indicate that producing plant-based meat alternatives results in approximately 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to the equivalent amount of beef, 63% less than pork, and 51% less than poultry, on average. These alternatives also demand significantly less land and water resources compared to traditional meat production. Furthermore, their manufacturing process generates far fewer pollutants that could contaminate water systems, thereby safeguarding the environment and public health.

Concerning lab-grown meat, the industry presently relies largely on stem cells harvested from livestock muscle tissue. However, as production scales up, questions arise about the number of animals required for these biopsies. It's also unclear to what extent alternative meat options will mitigate the environmental impact of conventional meat production. Suppose individuals maintain their current meat consumption habits while incorporating new alternatives into their diets. In that case, the collective impact remains uncertain.

While a definitive conclusion on the nutritional superiority of these meats is pending, choosing plant-based alternatives demonstrates a commitment to animal welfare, personal health, and environmental preservation. Embracing meat substitutes doesn't necessitate an all-or-nothing approach. In fact, a study from 2022 estimated that omitting red meat from just one meal daily could potentially reduce personal dietary carbon emissions by up to 48%.