What is Plant-Based Meat?

More and more people around the world are turning vegan due to growing concerns about animal cruelty and climate change, particularly in the last decade or so.

This has also resulted in surging demand for plant-based meat that tastes exactly like meat.

From A-list celebrities to athletes to companies such as Google, all of them are coming out in support of eating more plant-based products.

As plant-based meat continues to make headlines, you might be wondering if you should give it a try.

This may raise a lot of questions in your mind like - Why are people eating it? Is plant-based meat healthier than regular meat?

Keep reading this blog to find out all this and more.

Benefits of Plant-Based Meat :

As the name signifies, plant meat is sourced directly from plants. Plant-based food products mimic or replicate real meat such that one can’t tell the difference.

Plant-based meat has the same taste, flavor and texture as real meat, but without causing any harm to animals. In simple words, it is as good as the real thing.

Plant-based meats are a sustainable solution and also a healthier alternative for those who want to avoid eating meat.

Plant-based meat will satiate your cravings and not disappoint the planet lover in you.

How is Plant-Based Meat Made?

Similar to animals, plants are also made up of water, different types of vitamins, minerals, lipids, protein, and dietary fat.

These biochemical similarities help in the production and procession of plant-based meat.

Vegan meats are made using some commonly available ingredients which act as substitutes such as soy, seitan and tofu.

Did you know that tofu is made from soy while seitan, pea protein, and Quorn are made using wheat gluten? Yes, you read that right.

Here is a list of some commonly-used Plant-based meat alternatives:

Plant-Based Meat Alternatives:

Seitan (Wheat Gluten)

Vegetables, like Jackfruit

Soy

Tofu

Beans and lentils

Pea protein

​​Plant-Based Meats vs Animal Meat

plant based meat vs animal meat

Plant-based meat has zero cholesterol or trans fat while real animal-based meat (esp. processed meat) is high in both cholesterol and trans fat.

Plant meat is also high in protein and contains more fibre.

According to the research conducted by psychologists at the University of Bath, plant meat “offers a healthier and more environmentally sustainable solution which takes into account consumer preferences and behavior.”

The study further found that adding plant-based products to one’s diet can help gain muscle mass, reduce overall fat, and even offer immunity against specific health conditions.

Even ​​The American Heart Association has advised that eating more plant protein instead of red meat can cut down the risk of heart-related ailments.

All this clearly shows that plant-based meat is a healthier option beyond meat.

Why are more and more people opting for Plant-Based Meat?

Eating animal meat is one of the biggest reasons behind global warming. Due to health and environmental aspects, there is a growth in the consumption of plant-based meat in India.

Let us take a look at some of the key reasons why people choose to eat plant-based or vegan meat:

Making animal meat requires more water as compared to plant meat. For 1 pound (0.45 kg) of beef, approximately 1,847 gallons (6623.25 liters) of water is needed.

In comparison, plant-based meat really helps conserve water.

Studies have shown that having red meat and processed meat regularly can be harmful for health.

It is high in saturated fat and can increase your risk of heart disease. Plant meat is in fact helpful in lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure levels.

Many people prefer plant-based meat over real meat because it does not have skin, blood or bone as it is made using soy, seitan and tofu.

Plant-based meat is kind to animals and will help in reducing individual carbon footprint. It also produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Summing it up...

Plant-based meat is a healthier and more environment-friendly way to get more nutrition without slaughtering animals.

It is suitable for vegetarians or vegans, but it can also be a great option for people who eat meat just because of the taste and nutrition.

Plant-based products are slowly but gradually making space in our kitchens.

We, at Sudo Foods, offer a delectable range of ready-to-cook plant-based products which are made up of ethical ingredients and have zero cholesterol or trans fats.