Jul 26, 2019 05:07 AM
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/beyond-...-1.5220777
INTRO: Beyond Meat markets its plant-based burger as a healthier alternative to meat, which is associated with certain health risks. But some experts say the data doesn't exist yet to show that a processed plant-based patty trumps beef.
Canadians can't get enough of Beyond Meat's plant-based burger that's designed to taste just like beef. It has attracted not only vegetarians but also meat eaters such as Jim Allen, who recently dined on a Beyond Burger at A&W, believing it was the healthier choice. "I was quite eager to try it," said Allen, who lives in Toronto. "Everybody's saying get away from red meat and eat more plants."
Canada's new food guide advises Canadians to consume less meat and eat more healthy plant-based protein foods such as beans and lentils. But does Beyond's burger qualify as a healthy protein alternative? Beyond Meat says yes. On its website, the California-based company markets its plant-based products as "better for you" options that don't come with the major health risks associated with certain kinds of meat.
However, nutrition experts CBC News interviewed argue that there's no hard scientific data — at least not yet — to show that a processed plant-based patty trumps beef. "Where is their research saying that — that this is better than eating a small, portion-controlled, lean piece of meat?" said Toronto-based dietitian and nutritionist Rosie Schwartz.
The Beyond Burger contains close to 20 ingredients, including refined coconut oil, pea protein isolate and flavouring. Schwartz says that qualifies it as a highly processed food — something that Canadians are advised to limit in their diet, along with processed and fatty meat. "When Health Canada says we should be choosing more plant-based protein alternatives, I believe they're talking about whole foods. They're not talking about ultra-processed foods," said Schwartz. (MORE)
INTRO: Beyond Meat markets its plant-based burger as a healthier alternative to meat, which is associated with certain health risks. But some experts say the data doesn't exist yet to show that a processed plant-based patty trumps beef.
Canadians can't get enough of Beyond Meat's plant-based burger that's designed to taste just like beef. It has attracted not only vegetarians but also meat eaters such as Jim Allen, who recently dined on a Beyond Burger at A&W, believing it was the healthier choice. "I was quite eager to try it," said Allen, who lives in Toronto. "Everybody's saying get away from red meat and eat more plants."
Canada's new food guide advises Canadians to consume less meat and eat more healthy plant-based protein foods such as beans and lentils. But does Beyond's burger qualify as a healthy protein alternative? Beyond Meat says yes. On its website, the California-based company markets its plant-based products as "better for you" options that don't come with the major health risks associated with certain kinds of meat.
However, nutrition experts CBC News interviewed argue that there's no hard scientific data — at least not yet — to show that a processed plant-based patty trumps beef. "Where is their research saying that — that this is better than eating a small, portion-controlled, lean piece of meat?" said Toronto-based dietitian and nutritionist Rosie Schwartz.
The Beyond Burger contains close to 20 ingredients, including refined coconut oil, pea protein isolate and flavouring. Schwartz says that qualifies it as a highly processed food — something that Canadians are advised to limit in their diet, along with processed and fatty meat. "When Health Canada says we should be choosing more plant-based protein alternatives, I believe they're talking about whole foods. They're not talking about ultra-processed foods," said Schwartz. (MORE)
