Are Beyond Meat/Impossible Meat Unhealthy? Beyond the Buzz

Are Beyond Meat/Impossible Meat Unhealthy?

It certainly is not natural. It certainly is not organic. I have no idea of the process required to produce it but it involves chemistry that is beyond me. Yes, so do vaccines, but the desire to be virus-free is strong in me. I digress.

Cows are natural—although selectively bred from the auroch of old. The beef I buy is organic, and I understand the process of beef production. It occurs in my best friend's pasture. I know exactly what the cattle are fed, as I help Sam feed them sometimes. They are fed grass, apples, oranges, beets, onions—any agricultural cull. They are fed organic, no pesticides, no growth hormones, only the required by law inoculations.

I shall stick with the natural product.

Unhealthy vs. Processed Foods

Don't know man, but only when they serve to me 'Supadupa Over-the-Top No-Meat Meat-Flavoured-but-with-no-Meat-inside Meat.'

Considering that both are by nature highly processed foods, their healthy qualities seem a tad dubious.

A Look at Beyond Meat

It's not meat, but it's a highly processed food product. Morally, you aren't eating animals. Nutritional value is another matter. Beyond Meat's protein comes from peas, rice, and mung dal. The company specifically states that they do not add soy extract, so Beyond Meat should be fine for regular consumption. For a detailed breakdown of ingredients, check the video below.

By nutrition, Beyond Meat is on par or better than regular ground beef in almost all categories. Health-wise, Beyond Meat competes neck-to-neck with regular beef, but taste is a completely different matter.

Comparing Health Benefits

Unhealthy compared to what? My household of three adults consumes about 2 pounds a week of Beyond Meat. If we were using lentils and minced walnuts instead in our spaghetti, burritos, and pizza, it would be healthier—but perhaps not as palatable. But if we were using ground beef, I expect Beyond Meat to be less unhealthy: no hormones, no antibiotics, no E. coli to worry about. It has less cholesterol and less saturated fat. It has more sodium, but people add more salt to regular hamburger meat than Beyond does.

Conclusion: While Beyond Meat and Impossible Meat are highly processed, they can offer healthier alternatives to traditional meat in certain aspects. The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and nutritional goals.

Share your thoughts in the comments below!