The advantages of adopting a plant-based diet are widely recognized. Those involved in the plant protein market are likely to use this research as part of an expanding collection of evidence suggesting that consumers should reduce their meat consumption in favor of plant-based options. The National Institutes of Health has provided guidelines urging physicians to consider recommending plant-based diets, as they could effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and BMI, and may even decrease cancer rates.
Recent findings regarding Type 2 diabetes align with an earlier long-term study, which indicated that substituting meat—especially processed meats—with proteins from low-fat dairy, nuts, and whole grains could significantly lower the risk of developing the disease. This earlier study revealed that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed meat daily was associated with a 19% higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, while a mere 50 grams of processed meats like sausages and bacon correlated with a staggering 51% increase in risk.
However, not all vegetarian diets are created equal. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has pointed out that vegans, in particular, need to ensure they consume a variety of protein-rich foods—such as beans, grains, and nuts—since these sources tend to be less complete than proteins derived from meat. Nevertheless, the notion that vegetarians need to combine proteins at every meal has been thoroughly debunked. While vegetarian diets may not be inherently healthy, research indicates they could play a significant role in preventing obesity and enhancing overall health.
There seems to be a growing awareness among consumers regarding these findings. Since the early 1970s, American red meat consumption has declined by a third, averaging about 101 pounds per capita. Although the proportion of vegetarians in the U.S. has remained stable at approximately 3% of the population, 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 reported following a meat-free diet to enhance their health.
Such studies may persuade consumers who are undecided about transitioning to a plant-based diet or motivate meat eaters to incorporate more vegetable proteins into their meals—an initiative that companies like Tyson are preparing for by investing in alternative protein producers. Interestingly, some consumers may also be curious about how certain supplements, like calcium citrate, might affect their health; specifically, does calcium citrate make you sleepy? This question reflects a broader interest in how dietary choices and supplements can impact various aspects of well-being, including energy levels and sleep quality.