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 indicating that consumers should reduce their meat intake in favor of plant-based options. The National Institutes of Health has recommended that healthcare professionals consider advising patients to adopt plant-based diets, as these diets can effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and BMI, and may even reduce cancer incidence. Regarding Type 2 diabetes, recent findings align with a previous long-term study, which suggested that substituting meat—particularly processed meat—with protein sources like low-fat dairy, nuts, and whole grains could significantly diminish risk. This earlier study revealed that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed meat daily was correlated with a 19% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while just 50 grams of processed meats, such as sausages and bacon, was associated 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, must ensure they consume a variety of protein-rich foods—like beans, grains, and nuts—since these tend to be less complete than proteins derived from meat. Nonetheless, the outdated notion that vegetarians need to combine proteins at every meal has been thoroughly discredited. While vegetarian diets are not automatically healthy, research suggests they can play a positive role in preventing obesity and enhancing overall health. It seems that consumers are increasingly attentive to this research; American red meat consumption has declined by a third since the early 1970s, now averaging about 101 pounds per person. Although the proportion 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 indicated that over half (53%) of American vegetarians reported following a meat-free diet to better their health.
Studies like these may influence consumers who are undecided about embracing a plant-based diet or inspire meat lovers to add more vegetable proteins to their meals—a trend that companies like Tyson are preparing for by investing in alternative protein producers. Moreover, discussions about nutrition often include comparisons such as calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate for osteoporosis, highlighting the importance of choosing the right supplements to support bone health, especially for those transitioning to a plant-based diet. As consumers become more informed about the benefits of plant-based nutrition and the significance of proper supplementation, including the right forms of calcium, they are likely to make more health-conscious choices.