You may choose a plant-based diet for many reasons. Among them is the fact that we want to consume foods that are fun, tasty and of course nutritious. However, new research has found that certain meat substitutes lack important nutrients that the body needs.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, published in. nutrientsSo, we looked at 44 different meat substitutes on the market. Varieties were primarily soy and pea protein based, but there were also options that included fermented soy products like tempeh and mycoprotein, a protein derived from fungi.
Researchers have found that different meat substitutes have different nutritional content. They also noted that the estimated amount of iron and zinc that could be absorbed by the body from these foods was low due to the anti-nutrient phytic acid.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of these meat substitutes, read on. For more health tips, check out 5 coffee habits that can shorten your life.
Plant-based protein may lack certain nutrients
“Not all proteins are created equal” Catherine Gervasio, RD, Living.Fit Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Contributor said: Eat this instead of that! “Despite the fact that vegetable protein contains less fat, calories and cholesterol than meat products, it also lacks certain qualities. is showing.”
“The meat substitute is plant-sourced,” Gervacio explains, “plants naturally contain phytate, which allows them to store phosphorus for reproduction and growth.” I’m here. While this “is beneficial to plants, phytic acid is widely known as an anti-nutrient because it binds with certain nutrients, especially calcium, zinc, and iron, making them less absorbable.”
“This is why plant-based proteins and meat substitutes are known to carry non-heme iron (a less-absorbed type of iron) because phytic acid binds it,” says Gervacio.
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But fermented products may be better
To make sure you choose nutritious, plant-based meat substitutes, Gervacio says: It is fermented to the same quality as tempeh. “
“Choosing the best plant-based foods can be difficult, especially when iron and zinc are your main concerns,” adds Gervacio. Daily necessities such as certain breakfast cereals and non-dairy milk. “
Eating animal products occasionally helps
Beyond that, Gervacio said: Plant-based foods often lack the ability to provide absorbable iron and zinc, but can reduce blood cholesterol and keep calories in check. You can make up for it.
Finally, Gervacio says, “Even if you’re following a plant-based diet, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional to find out if your actual diet is lacking certain nutrients or if you need supplements.” It’s the best,” he points out.
desare O
Desirée O is a freelance writer covering lifestyle, food and nutrition news.Read more about Desire
