Study Finds Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Beneficial for Heart Health Compared to Real Meat
Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) offer potential cardiovascular benefits compared to animal meat, as highlighted in a recent review published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. While the nutritional profiles of PBMAs vary widely, they generally exhibit heart-healthy characteristics relative to real meat.
According to the study authors, PBMAs typically contain less saturated fat and more fiber per serving, contributing to a cardioprotective nutritional profile. Promising findings from randomized clinical trials suggest that substituting meat with PBMAs can improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, such as lowering levels of LDL cholesterol.
Despite being classified as ultra-processed foods with varying sodium content, PBMAs do not appear to adversely affect other CVD risk factors like blood pressure. However, the authors stress the need for rigorous, long-term studies to fully evaluate their impact on CVD outcomes.
PBMAs are processed food products primarily composed of plant-based ingredients designed to replicate the taste and texture of meat. Research spanning from 1970 to 2023 reviewed by the study indicates that these alternatives may indeed enhance cardiovascular health by improving cholesterol levels without raising blood pressure, despite their sodium content.
Dr. Ehud Ur, senior author of the study and professor at the University of British Columbia, suggests that for individuals looking to reduce meat consumption, particularly red meat, substituting with PBMAs represents a heart-healthy choice. He advises selecting options lower in saturated fat and sodium for regular consumption as part of a balanced diet.
Christopher Gardner, chair of the American Heart Association’s Nutrition Committee, notes that PBMAs generally contain lower saturated fat, higher unsaturated fat, and more fiber compared to animal meat. This nutritional profile, along with the absence of substances like carnitine and choline that can contribute to cardiovascular risks associated with meat consumption, suggests potential benefits for heart health.
While acknowledging that PBMAs are classified as ultra-processed foods, experts like Dana Hunnes from RR-UCLA Medical Center caution against overconsumption due to potential nutrient loss during processing. Despite this, she acknowledges their comparative advantage over animal products in terms of cardiovascular risk.
In conclusion, while PBMAs offer a promising alternative to meat for reducing cardiovascular risk factors, moderation and selection of healthier options are advised to optimize their health benefits in a balanced diet.
