Plant-based menu items in restaurants are no healthier than their counterparts that make use of meat, reveals a study.
According to a paper published in the journal Nutrition, there were "no clear health benefits of ordering plant-based servings instead of meat options."
The team of researchers from the Poznan University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) in Poland collected more than 2,400 meal records from 50 fast food chains in five countries – Poland, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. They collected specific information on allergens, calorie count, fiber, macronutrients and salt in almost 1,870 plant-based meals. The researchers then matched these with their meat-based meal counterparts from the same country and fast food chains.
They found that plant-based (vegan or vegetarian) fast food meals contained more carbohydrates, fiber and sugar and less protein and sodium than their animal- or meat-based counterparts. "Choosing plant-based substitutes for favorite dishes from fast food restaurants essentially involves trading protein-derived calories for those derived from carbohydrates," the study concluded.
"Surprisingly, our study showed that plant-based meals are not associated with lower calories, which consumers may not realize," said study lead author Mikolaj Kaminski. "It really emphasizes the importance of making informed food choices, especially when it comes to consuming fast food – even more so if you suffer from a metabolic disorder like Type 2 diabetes. It exposes the illusion that plant-based alternatives of popular fast food dishes are automatically a healthier choice."
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Despite the emergence of "meatless food alternatives," many have grown skeptical of certain plant-based options. These include fake meat that replicates the taste and texture of actual beef, sausage and other meat products without the need to slaughter actual animals. (Related: The globalists are "coming for your food," experts warn – "plant-based" tyranny will rule the world.)
A balanced diet is better for you
A balanced, diversified and healthy diet will vary from person to person. What one needs generally depends on various factors, including age, degree of physical activity, gender, lifestyle and the rate the body works (metabolism). In addition, one must also consider the cultural context, dietary customs and locally available foods.
The rule of thumb is that a balanced diet must contain all the nutrients your body requires in the right proportions to develop and grow, maintain a healthy body weight and be free of diseases, such as:
- Carbohydrates – provide your body with glucose, which is then converted to energy used to support bodily functions and physical activity
- Fats – provide essential fatty acids (healthy fats) that your body cannot make itself. Fats help your body to absorb important vitamins called “fat-soluble” vitamins, including vitamins A, D and E
- Protein – provides you with chemical "building blocks" called amino acids that your body uses to cells and make new ones, and make hormones and enzymes
- Vitamins and minerals – micronutrients required by your body to carry out a range of normal functions, including boosting your immune system and supporting your body’s metabolism, muscle and nerve functions
- Water – aids in transporting oxygen throughout your body, helps regulate your body temperature, cushions and lubricates your joints, protects your major organs and tissues, gets rid of body wastes through bowel movements, perspiration and urination, and more
- Fiber – although not a nutrient, dietary fiber helps improve your body’s digestive function and supports gut health – affecting the rate of food digestion, absorption of nutrients and the movement of waste products (stool) through your colon
The nutritional requirements of the human body change as one moves through different life stages. As you age, you may have lower calorie needs or even increased nutrient requirements compared to younger adults. This is often due to lesser physical activity, changes in body metabolism or other age-related loss of bone and muscle mass.
Visit Frankenfood.news for more stories about unhealthy foods.
Watch the following video about World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling for a plant-based diet shift.
This video is from the Dissident7 channel on Brighteon.com.
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