The advantages of a plant-based diet are widely recognized. Those involved in the plant protein industry will incorporate this research into an expanding collection of studies advocating for a reduction in meat consumption in favor of plant-based foods. The National Institutes of Health has provided guidelines for physicians, suggesting that plant-based diets, including options like calcium citrate bariatric supplements, may effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and BMI, potentially even decreasing cancer rates.
Recent findings regarding Type 2 diabetes align with a previous long-term study, which indicated that swapping out meat—particularly processed meat—for proteins sourced from low-fat dairy, nuts, and whole grains could significantly mitigate risk. This earlier study revealed that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed meat daily was linked to a 19% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while just 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 emphasized that vegans, in particular, should ensure they consume a variety of protein-rich foods—such as beans, grains, and nuts—since these sources tend to be less complete compared to protein derived from meat. Nevertheless, the notion that vegetarians must combine proteins at every meal has been thoroughly debunked. While vegetarian diets are not automatically healthy, research indicates they may play a crucial role in preventing obesity and promoting overall health.
It seems that consumers are increasingly attentive to these findings. Since the early 1970s, American red meat consumption has dropped by a third, now averaging about 101 pounds per capita. Although the percentage of vegetarians has remained stable at around 3% of the U.S. population, the number of vegetarian product launches has doubled in the first half of this decade. A 2008 study revealed that over half (53%) of U.S. vegetarians reported adopting a meat-free diet to enhance their health.
Research like this may persuade consumers who are indecisive about committing to a plant-based diet or inspire meat eaters to incorporate more vegetable proteins into their meals. Companies like Tyson are preparing for this shift by investing in alternative protein producers, recognizing the growing trend toward plant-based diets that can support various nutritional needs, including those looking for calcium citrate bariatric options.