The advantages of a plant-based diet are widely recognized. Participants in the plant protein sector will incorporate this research into a growing collection of studies indicating that consumers should reduce their meat intake in favor of plant-based options. The National Institutes of Health has provided guidelines for healthcare professionals to consider advocating for plant-based diets, as they may effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and BMI, and potentially decrease cancer rates.
Regarding Type 2 diabetes, recent findings align with earlier long-term studies, which indicated that substituting meat—particularly processed meat—with proteins from low-fat dairy, nuts, and whole grains could significantly lower risk. One such study revealed that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed meat daily was associated with a 19% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while just 50 grams of processed meats, such as sausages and bacon, correlated with a 51% heightened risk.
However, not all vegetarian diets are created equal. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics highlights that vegans, in particular, need to ensure they consume a variety of protein-rich foods, such as beans, grains, and nuts, as these may be less complete on their own compared to meat-derived proteins. Nonetheless, the notion that vegetarians must combine proteins at every meal has been thoroughly debunked. While vegetarian diets are not automatically healthy, research indicates they may play a beneficial role in preventing obesity and enhancing overall health.
It seems that consumers are increasingly aware of this research. American red meat consumption has decreased by a third since the early 1970s, now averaging about 101 pounds per capita. Although the percentage of vegetarians in the U.S. remains stable at around 3%, the number of vegetarian product launches has doubled in the first half of this decade. A 2008 study found that over half (53%) of U.S. vegetarians adopted a meat-free diet to improve their health.
Additionally, many individuals are turning to calcium citrate and magnesium supplements to support their nutritional needs as they transition to plant-based eating. Studies like these may influence consumers who are uncertain about fully committing to a plant-based diet or encourage meat eaters to incorporate more vegetable proteins into their meals—an evolution that companies like Tyson are preparing for by investing in alternative protein producers. As consumer awareness continues to grow, the inclusion of essential supplements such as calcium citrate and magnesium may further enhance the appeal of plant-based diets.