‘Overwhelming Evidence’: New research definitely proves plant-based meat is healthier and more sustainable than animal products
The study found overwhelming evidence that, as well as being far more sustainable compared to animal products in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, water use and land use, plant-based animal product alternatives also have a wide range of health benefits.
VEGCONOMIST: Following a slew of biased articles in the mainstream press deeming meat alternatives as ultra-processed and unhealthy, a brand new peer-reviewed paper published… in the Future Foods journal finds that, in fact, plant-based meat is healthier and more sustainable than animal products…
Dr Chris Bryant of the University of Bath reviewed empirical literature relating to the healthiness and sustainability of plant-based alternatives and discussed consumer attitudes and behaviours. His findings reveal that “plant-based alternatives to animal products are better for the environment and have favourable nutritional profiles compared with the animal products they are designed to replace”.
The review examined 43 studies into the healthiness and environmental impacts of plant-based foods, as well as literature on consumer attitudes, and argues that as these foods are ‘specifically formulated to replicate the taste, texture, and overall eating experience of animal products’, they represent a more effective way of reducing demand for meat and dairy than encouraging people to cook plant-based whole foods… The paper concludes that plant-based meat and dairy ‘offer a healthier and more environmentally sustainable solution which takes into account consumer preferences and behaviour’…
Chris Bryant summarises: “These products are able to shift demand away from animal products, and are able to do this far more effectively than whole plant foods, as they hit the key drivers consumers are looking for – taste, price and convenience. “I have found overwhelming evidence that, as well as being far more sustainable compared to animal products in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, water use and land use, plant-based animal product alternatives also have a wide range of health benefits”…
Speaking to Vegconomist… Dr Chris Bryant said of the findings: “As well as favourable nutritional profiles, plant-based animal product alternatives have benefits for weight loss, muscle synthesis, gut health, and specific health conditions. Moreover, there are clear benefits over animal products in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use, and a range of other environmental outcomes”. SOURCE…
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