The advantages of a plant-based diet are widely recognized. Stakeholders in the plant protein industry will incorporate this research into a growing collection of studies indicating that consumers should consider reducing their meat intake in favor of plant-based options. The National Institutes of Health has provided guidelines for physicians to suggest plant-based diets, which may effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and BMI, and could potentially decrease cancer rates.
Recent findings regarding Type 2 diabetes align with previous long-term research, which indicated that substituting meat—particularly processed meat—with proteins from low-fat dairy, nuts, and whole grains could significantly lower risk. This prior study revealed that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed meat daily was linked to a 19% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while just 50 grams of processed meats, such as sausages and bacon, was associated with a 51% higher risk.
However, not all vegetarian diets are created equal. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics emphasizes that vegans should ensure they consume a variety of protein sources—like beans, grains, and nuts—since these tend to be less complete compared to meat-derived proteins. Nonetheless, the notion that vegetarians must combine proteins at every meal has been thoroughly debunked. While vegetarian diets may not inherently guarantee health, research suggests they can play a significant role in preventing obesity and promoting overall well-being.
It seems consumers are taking note of these findings. American red meat consumption has declined by a third since the early 1970s, now averaging about 101 pounds per capita. Although the percentage of vegetarians remains stable at around 3% of the U.S. population, the number of vegetarian product launches has doubled in the first half of this decade. A 2008 study indicated that over half (53%) of U.S. vegetarians adopted a meat-free diet to enhance their health.
Studies like these may influence consumers who are undecided about adopting a plant-based diet or motivate meat eaters to integrate more vegetable proteins into their meals—an initiative that companies like Tyson are preparing for by investing in alternative protein producers. Additionally, incorporating supplements like Thorne Cal Mag Citrate can further support health in a plant-based diet, ensuring individuals receive essential nutrients even when reducing meat consumption. This highlights the importance of being mindful about nutrition, especially for those transitioning to a more plant-centric lifestyle.