Plant-based meat alternatives improve cardiovascular risk factors when compared with animal meat. That’s according to a review of studies published today in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology that reports that while there is considerable variability in the nutrition profile of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs), they tend to have a more heart healthy nutrition profile when compared with real meat. “Commercially available PBMAs are nutritionally diverse but generally have a cardioprotective nutritional profile relative to meat, including less saturated fatty acid and more fiber per serving. The available randomized clinical trials evaluating PBMAs are promising and suggest that replacing meat with PBMAs can improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including a reduction in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),” the study authors wrote. “PBMAs do not seem to negatively affect other CVD risk factors such as blood pressure, despite their classification as ultra processed foods and the high sodium content of many products,” the researchers added. “These improvements in CVD risk factors may result in a lower risk of developing CVD; however, there is a need for high-quality long-term studies evaluating CVD outcomes.” What are plant-based meat alternatives? Plant-based meat alternatives are typically highly processed food products made of plant-based ingredients that can be used to replace meat in the diet. The study authors reviewed research on plant-based meat alternatives from 1970 to 2023 to assess what is known about the nutritional profile of these foods as well as their impact on cardiovascular disease risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The researchers reported that several studies indicate that plant-based meat alternatives could improve cardiovascular risk factors like cholesterol levels. They also found the foods have not been linked to increased blood pressure, despite the high levels of sodium in some plant-based meat alternatives. “For those looking to reduce their meat intake, especially if it’s red meat, replacing that with PBMAs is likely a heart-healthy choice. For those who already limit their meat intake, PBMAs can be incorporated into a healthy dietary pattern as an excellent protein source; however, it may be beneficial to choose options that are lower in saturated fat.
