In the wake of modern food science, growing consciousness towards environmental-friendly decisions and a sustainable tomorrow, and most importantly, prioritising health - plant-based meat products are revolutionary. But, barring a few well-informed people, accurate information about plant-based meat is scarce to come by. For instance, tell anyone you prefer plant-based meat over traditional animal-based meat. Your dietary choices will often be ridiculed with fancy, expensive, faux sources of proper nutrients. However, the truth cannot be further from it.
Considering we all live in a society filled with people that have various opinions about everything, your dietary choices aren't going to be spared. It is proven that plant-based meat products are relatively easier to digest with almost the same taste and texture, if not better, and have infinitely superior pro-environment implications. However, it is still pretty common to come across several biases and myths surrounding this good innovation of modern food technology.
So, what can we do?
If you plan to shift to a plant-based meat diet, this article is for you and get dissuaded by your acquaintances' incorrect but firm testaments or want to have fact-based reasons behind your new (plant-based meat) dietary choice. Mr Sohil Wazir, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue tribe, has listed five common misconceptions about plant-based meat and debunked them with logic and fact-based information.
Myth 1: Plant-based meat will not give you protein power
Fact: This myth is an age-old derivative whose origin cannot be found today. Though animal-based meat is popularly known as the definitive source of protein supplements, modern-age food-tech companies have invented methods to extract proteins from natural ingredients. This includes products like Soya, Whole Grains, Nuts, Seeds, Legumes (beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts), Quinoa, etc. This extracted protein is then mixed with other nutritional elements and Vitamin B12 (for better absorption) to create a lip-smacking plant-based meat product. As a result, people don't have to rely on traditional meat to fulfil their protein intake. Instead, opt for greener and planet-friendly protein in the shape of plant-based meat and contribute towards a sustainable future.
Myth 2: Plant-based meat are fancy and expensive, not for ordinary people
Fact: Order a plant-based meat product, and you are likely to hear some not-so-funny comments from your peers like "Ooh, just got your salary?" or "Buying fancy dinner, huh?". This is entirely untrue. Food expenses are comparatively higher for animal-based meat lovers. The truth is that new-age food tech companies are strenuously working on providing highly-affordable plant-based meat products so that everyone can take advantage of this innovation. Whether you buy plant-based meat products online or from your nearest stores, you can get quality items at highly competitive prices. In addition, many experts have suggested that the cost of future plant-based products will be inversely proportional to the growth of food science evolution. So, in a nutshell, shifting toward a plant-based meat diet today can have sound effects on your health and your finances.
Myth 3: Plant-based meat diet means muscle atrophy
Fact: 'Gym hunks and an enormous meat diet' is a classic example of many people assuming that plant-based meat will not contribute to muscle development. Muscle mass and strength are imperative for people, especially those passionate about fitness and health. However, whoever came up with the idea that plant-based meat cannot ensure muscle strength was sadly misinformed. Muscle strength has nothing to do with meat. But in fact, it is dependent on adequate protein and other nutritional intake and strength training. Athletes like Strongman Patrik Baboumian, popularly called the most muscular man on the planet, Dana Glowacka (record holder of the longest time in an abdominal plank position female), and Venus Sisters are all on the bandwagon of plant-based protein diet. And one look at them can assure you that not even one of them has had a loss of muscle mass.
Myth 4: Plant-based meat is made with chemicals, not healthy
Fact: The whole point of introducing plant-based meat is to promotes planet-friendly, greener, and organic food alternatives. Adding chemicals moots the entire issue. Instead, futuristic food tech companies use low moisture extrusion to extract protein from natural ingredients by leveraging cutting-edge food technology. This protein is then mixed with other nutritional attributes and mechanically texturised to taste, mouthfeel, and look like a replica of traditional meat. This reiterates the point that there is no chemical integration during the entire process. But in fact, it is futuristic pressure-oriented mechanisms that make plant-based meat texturised into a perfectly chewy, tangy, and lip-smacking product.
Myth 5: Plant-based meat is not for everyone
Fact: Plant-based meat is for everyone. Unlike traditional meat products, which are subjected to religious sentiments, and guilt, and many people don't like animals getting harmed, plant-based meat products are free from all such barriers. Therefore, even the most hardcore meat lovers can quickly and efficiently opt for a plant-based meat alternative and take a conscious step towards a greener lifestyle without compromising their taste buds or nutritional and protein intake.
So, start debunking myths surrounding plant-based meat in your social circle TODAY. Encourage your friends, family, and acquaintances to choose a healthier alternative free of cholesterol or guilt.