¿Las carnes vegetales son saludables?

Key Takeaways

• Replacing animal protein with plant protein is associated with lower risks of mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease. Studies suggest plant proteins are linked to lower risks of cancer, diabetes, and improved long-term health outcomes compared to animal proteins. 

• Plant-based burgers (e.g., Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger) are better than traditional meat burgers in some aspects, like reduced saturated fat content. However, they still contain ingredients like coconut oil and added sodium, which mitigate their health advantages compared to whole plant foods like lentils or beans. 

• Plant protein isolates in meat alternatives retain many benefits of whole plant proteins, such as cholesterol-lowering effects. These benefits are attributed to their unique amino acid profile and bioactive compounds like phytosterols and antioxidants. 

• Higher soy protein intake is associated with reduced risks of breast and prostate cancer. For instance, consuming at least 16 grams of soy protein daily may significantly lower breast cancer mortality risk by up to 62 percent. 

• Replacing even a third of animal protein with plant protein can lead to better glycemic control, lower LDL cholesterol, and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, as evidenced by both observational studies and randomized controlled trials.