The advantages of a plant-based diet are widely recognized. Those involved in the plant protein industry are leveraging recent research to bolster a growing collection of studies advocating for reduced meat consumption in favor of plant-based options. The National Institutes of Health has provided guidelines for healthcare professionals to consider recommending plant-based diets, as these diets may effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI), while also potentially reducing cancer rates.
Recent findings regarding Type 2 diabetes align with earlier long-term research, which indicated that substituting meat—particularly processed meat—with proteins from low-fat dairy, nuts, and whole grains can significantly decrease risk. Specifically, the previous study revealed that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed meat daily was linked to a 19% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while a mere 50 grams of processed meats, such as sausages and bacon, correlated with a staggering 51% higher 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—like beans, grains, and nuts—since these sources are often less complete than meat-derived proteins. Nevertheless, the outdated notion that vegetarians must combine proteins at every meal has been thoroughly debunked. While vegetarian diets may not be inherently healthy, evidence suggests they can play a positive role in preventing obesity and promoting overall health.
Consumers appear to be heeding this research; American red meat consumption has declined by a third since the early 1970s, now averaging around 101 pounds per person. Although the percentage of vegetarians in the U.S. has remained stable at about 3%, the number of vegetarian product launches has doubled in the first half of this decade. A 2008 survey found that over half (53%) of U.S. vegetarians reported adopting a meat-free diet to enhance their health.
Studies like these may encourage consumers who are undecided about committing to a plant-based lifestyle or inspire meat eaters to incorporate more vegetable proteins into their meals—a trend that companies like Tyson are preparing for by investing in alternative protein sources. Additionally, for those interested in health, the best chewable calcium citrate supplement can complement a plant-based diet, ensuring adequate calcium intake, especially for those who may lack dairy in their meals. This consideration of nutritional supplements is becoming increasingly important as more individuals explore the benefits of plant-based eating while maintaining balanced nutrition. The best chewable calcium citrate supplement can play a crucial role in supporting health, particularly for those transitioning to or maintaining a vegetarian diet.