Never consume plant-based meat substitutes if you want to protect your health.

noli's read

The claim to avoid plant-based meat substitutes entirely is widely exaggerated in light of current science. While it is always ideal to prioritize whole foods like the tofu, rice, and vegetables illustrated in the post, demonizing all plant-based alternatives is not scientifically grounded. In fact, the SWAP-MEAT randomized crossover clinical trial, led by researcher Christopher Gardner of Stanford University, shows that replacing animal meat with plant-based alternatives improves several markers of well-being, notably by lowering LDL cholesterol and TMAO, a compound linked to heart vitality. Furthermore, a systematic review of human intervention studies published in the journal MDPI indicates that these meat substitutes promote a good sense of satiety while maintaining equivalent physical performance. Another literature review published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology highlights that their overall nutritional profile, being lower in saturated fats, supports cardiovascular well-being compared to traditional red meat. Although these products are often processed, no solid evidence justifies excluding them entirely from a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.