Plant-based meat has gained popularity in recent years as a more sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional meat products. But have you ever wondered how plant-based meat is actually made and whether it is a healthier option? Let's delve into the science behind plant-based meat production and its potential health implications.

What is Plant-Based Meat?

Plant-based meat is a meat substitute made from plant sources such as peas, soy, wheat, and other ingredients. These ingredients are processed and combined to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of real meat. The goal is to provide a more environmentally friendly and animal-friendly alternative to traditional meat products.

However, while these alternative meat options may be marketed on the back of "good intentions", they may not be as healthy as you have been lead to believe.

How is Plant-Based Meat Made?

The process of making plant-based meat involves extracting proteins from plants and then using various techniques to create a meat-like product. This can include extrusion, where the plant proteins are mixed with water and other ingredients to form a dough-like mixture that is then shaped into meat-like structures. Other methods may involve using fermentation or high-pressure processing to enhance the texture and flavor of the final product.

When talking about how plant-based meats are made, there is one question we have to ask, have you ever read the ingredients list on the back of something like an Impossible Burger? If not, good luck...

It contains a long list of chemicals, artificial flavors and coloring, as well as other synthetics, some of which appearing as though they were written in a foreign language. Here are just a few of the most common additives found in many plant-based meat options out there:

1. Red #3 (Erythrosine)
2. Caramel Coloring
3. Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)
4. Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)
5. Soy protein isolates, concentrates, and textured vegetable protein
6. Propylene Glycol

Does that sound appetizing to you? The best part about the best sourced red meat... there are no added ingredients, other than what God has added.

Is Plant-Based Meat Healthy?

While plant-based meat offers an alternative to traditional meat, it may not always be the healthiest option. Many plant-based meat products are highly processed and may contain additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium to enhance flavor and shelf life.

Additionally, some plant-based meats are high in saturated fats, which can contribute to health issues such as heart disease and obesity, suggesting plant-based ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may pose a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Health Implications of Plant-Based Meat

Studies have shown that consuming plant-based meat products regularly may not offer the same health benefits as whole plant foods. Processed plant-based meats have been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and certain types of cancer. It is important to read labels carefully and choose plant-based meat products that are minimally processed and free from harmful additives.

There are many causes for concerns when it comes to consuming highly-processed plant-based meats, much of which comes from how its made. However, there are plenty others. Below is a list of the common concerns and criticisms of plant "meat" that people often find themselves questioning. Make sure to read through if you have ever found yourself contemplating the switch from nature-made meat to human-made "meat".

Health Concerns and Criticisms:

• Highly Processed: Plant-based meats are ultra-processed foods, which means they contain additives, preservatives, and are far removed from their natural state. This processing can lead to:

  • Additives: Ingredients like carrageenan, methylcellulose, and various preservatives might have health implications, though direct evidence linking these to significant health issues in moderate consumption is mixed.

  • Nutrient Profile: While plant-based meats can be fortified with nutrients, the overall nutritional profile might still differ from real meat. For instance, they might lack certain vitamins or minerals naturally found in meat, or have lower bioavailability.

• Digestive Issues: Some individuals report digestive discomfort due to the fibers used or specific additives like carrageenan.

• Allergenicity: Ingredients like soy or wheat can be allergens, limiting who can consume these products safely.

• Nutrient Absorption: The plant-based nature might mean certain nutrients are less bioavailable compared to animal products. For example, iron from plants (non-heme iron) is not absorbed as efficiently as heme iron from meat.

• Environmental Claims: While often marketed as environmentally friendly, the production process can be resource-intensive, and not all plant-based meats are necessarily better for the environment when considering full lifecycle assessments.

• Long-term Health Effects: There's ongoing debate and research regarding the long-term health impacts of consuming these products regularly, especially concerning additives and the body's response to highly processed foods.

• Misleading Marketing: Some critics argue that these products are marketed as healthy alternatives, which might not always be the case given their processing and ingredient list.

Making America Based Again

At the end of the day, God gave us meat in meat form for a reason. We don't need substitutes or man-made alternative for the bounty nature has already given us. The trend of playing God in our society has gotten out of hand and the reasons why, such as cows are leading to a larger carbon footprint and global warming, are disingenuous arguments in order to control more and more of your life.

The fact of the matter is cows are not the leading cause of global warming or climate change and any suggestion that they are is simply a coordinated effort by individuals with malicious intent to keep you unhealthy. An unhealthy population is one that is easily controlled by big brother government.

That's why we started Based Nutrition and came out with our flagship product, the Based Beef Organ Multivitamin. This is a multivitamin made from 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef organs, with natural forms of many of the essential vitamins your body needs. Despite all the competition from well-known brands on the market, we differentiate ourselves by removing all the synthetics and poison these common products contain.

Help us by joining the fight to Make America Healthy Again. Make America Based Again!

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