Plant-based meat can be healthy and safe to eat

Bob Arnot, Tribune News Service

Over the past four years, there has been a constant drumbeat of blog posts, news articles, opinion pieces and advertising — including a Super Bowl ad — criticising the ingredients in plant-based meats and raising not-so-subtle doubts about whether they are safe to eat.

As a medical doctor, journalist and author of 15 bestselling books on health, nutrition and exercise, I decided to look into this. What I found was a highly orchestrated disinformation campaign — one that has spread falsehoods and sowed fear.

An article published by the blog Clean Food Facts — “Are the new ‘plant-based’ meats actually good for you?” — suggests that the sodium content in plant-based meats may reach lethal levels. However, data from the US Department of Agriculture contradicts this assertion, revealing that the sodium content in a cooked meat patty — 383 milligrams — is virtually identical to that of the plant-based patty the group singled out — 390 milligrams. The USDA also states that 100 grams of cooked ground meat can contain higher sodium levels than an equivalent portion of that plant-based patty. The article conveniently omits important health benefits of plant-based meats such as no cholesterol, 35% less total fat, 35% less saturated fat, fewer calories and no added hormones or antibiotics.

Another example of deception is a poll the same blog promoted that claims that 73% of nutritionists do not recommend plant-based meat. However, the poll was conducted by an organisation, the Center for Consumer Freedom, that is known for its negative targeting of plant-based foods and has received funding from various industries such as the restaurant industry, according to watchdog organisations like the Center for Media and Democracy.

In the Super Bowl ad, a spelling bee moderator asks a student to spell the word “methyl cellulose.” The student asks, “Can you define it?” The response: “It’s a chemical laxative used in synthetic meat.” Here are the facts: Methyl cellulose is a plant fibre derivative that holds ingredients together, similar in function to cornstarch or flour. You can find it in mayonnaise, salad dressings, bread, pastries and ice cream. The Food and Drug Administration has approved its use in foods for about 50 years.

It is crucial to recognise these deceptive tactics, which are employed by a well-funded campaign that is aimed at misleading the public and undermining the credibility of plant-based meats. By distorting facts, cherry-picking data and hiding sources, these misleading narratives harm the efforts of individuals seeking healthier and more sustainable dietary choices.

The regular consumption of plant-based meats, which are typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared with beef, carries a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers than the regular consumption of red meat. Plant-based meats are also often rich in plant-based proteins, vitamins, minerals and fiber, which promote overall health and aid in digestion.

Furthermore, plant-based meats offer an opportunity to diversify our nutrient intake. They are often fortified with essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron, which can be lacking in traditional diets. By choosing plant-based alternatives, we can also reduce the environmental footprint associated with meat production. These alternatives require fewer natural resources, their production results in the emission of fewer greenhouse gases, and they have a smaller land and water footprint. Additionally, they help conserve land, prevent deforestation and alleviate water scarcity, all of which helps mitigate the effects of climate change. Embracing plant-based meats supports the development of a more sustainable food system and promotes a healthier planet for future generations.

As consumers, we have the right to accurate and transparent information about the foods we consume. The demonisation of plant-based meats serves only to protect the vested interests of those threatened by the growing popularity of sustainable and compassionate alternatives. We should reject the deceptions and demand an honest conversation about the benefits of all food — including plant-based meats — for our health, the environment and animal welfare.