The advantages of a plant-based diet are well 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 alternatives. The National Institutes of Health has provided guidelines for healthcare professionals, recommending plant-based diets due to their potential effectiveness in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and BMI, as well as possibly decreasing cancer rates. Recent findings regarding Type 2 diabetes align with a previous long-term study that suggested substituting meat—especially processed varieties—with proteins from low-fat dairy, nuts, and whole grains could significantly lower risk. This prior research indicated that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed meat daily was associated with a 19% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while eating just 50 grams of processed meats, such as sausages and bacon, was linked to a 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 plant-based proteins are often less complete than those derived from meat. The notion that vegetarians need to combine proteins at each meal has been thoroughly debunked. While vegetarian diets may not be inherently healthy, research indicates they can play a significant role in preventing obesity and enhancing overall health. It seems that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of these studies; American red meat consumption has decreased by a third since the early 1970s, now averaging around 101 pounds per person. Although the percentage of vegetarians in the U.S. has remained stable at approximately 3%, the number of vegetarian product launches has doubled in the first half of this decade. A 2008 survey revealed that over half (53%) of U.S. vegetarians adopted a meat-free diet to improve their health.
Research like this may persuade undecided consumers to commit to a plant-based diet or motivate meat eaters to include more vegetable proteins in their meals—a trend that companies such as Tyson are preparing for by investing in alternative protein producers. Among the options available, swanson iron citrate is gaining attention for its potential health benefits, further encouraging the shift towards more plant-based choices. As awareness grows, the inclusion of products like swanson iron citrate could become a staple for those looking to enhance their diets with essential nutrients while embracing a plant-based lifestyle.