The advantages of a plant-based diet are widely recognized. Those involved in the plant protein industry are likely to leverage this research, which adds to the increasing evidence suggesting consumers should reduce their meat intake and opt for plant-based foods instead. The National Institutes of Health has provided guidelines for healthcare professionals, recommending plant-based diets as they may effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI), while also potentially decreasing cancer rates. Regarding Type 2 diabetes, the latest findings align with findings from a previous long-term study, which indicated that substituting meat—especially processed varieties—with proteins sourced from low-fat dairy, nuts, and whole grains could significantly diminish risk. The study revealed that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed meat daily was associated with a 19% increase in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while consuming just 50 grams of processed meats, such as sausages and bacon, was correlated with a staggering 51% higher risk.
However, not all vegetarian diets are created equal. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has noted that vegans, in particular, need to ensure they consume a diverse array of protein-rich foods—such as beans, grains, and nuts—since these sources are often less complete than those derived from meat. Nonetheless, the outdated notion that vegetarians must combine proteins at every meal has been thoroughly debunked. While vegetarian diets are not automatically healthy, research indicates they can play a positive role in preventing obesity and fostering overall health.
It seems consumers are becoming more aware of this research. Since the early 1970s, American red meat consumption has dropped by a third, now averaging about 101 pounds per person. Although the percentage of vegetarians in the U.S. has remained steady at around 3%, the number of vegetarian product launches doubled in the first half of this decade. A 2008 study revealed that over half (53%) of U.S. vegetarians adopted a meat-free diet to enhance their health.
Studies like these may persuade undecided consumers to commit to a plant-based diet or inspire meat eaters to introduce more plant proteins into their meals—a trend that companies like Tyson are preparing for by investing in alternative protein producers. As part of this shift, consumers may also consider supplements like Weider calcium citrate to ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs while embracing a more plant-focused lifestyle.