Good News Notes:

“Are humans meant to eat meat? It’s a long-standing debate. And the benefits of not eating meat continue to make the case for a plant-forward diet.

Adding credibility to the argument that humans are not meant to consume animals are the voices of physicians such as cardiologist William C. Roberts, who writes, “Although most of us conduct our lives as omnivores, in that we eat flesh as well as vegetables and fruits, human beings have characteristics of herbivores, not carnivores.” On the other hand, you’ll also find plenty of studies, like this one in Nature, suggesting that eating animals not only came naturally to our ancient ancestors but it’s what eventually made us human by contributing to the evolution of our brains and speech capabilities. No matter which side of the debate you fall on, however, not eating meat today provides plenty of benefits. 

And consumers are taking notice. From menus to markets, vegan food has been at the center of a gastronomic revolution. Plant-based substitutes for meat, eggs, and dairy are nudging animal-based foods off grocery store shelves to satisfy consumer demand. “The plant-based category is the fastest growing segment in our entire store,” Kyle Hetman, category manager for Encino, CA-based retailer Gelson’s, told Supermarket Perimeter. “And I don’t see that changing in the coming years, as growth will continue to outpace most other categories.” Meanwhile, the days of meager plant-based offerings at restaurants—even the large fast-food chains—seem to be vanishing in our collective rearview mirror as delicious and innovative vegan options have gone from rare to everywhere. 

The popularity of foods that are better for you, the animals, and the planet is predicted to propel the market for plant-based alternatives by more than 400 percent to sales of $162 billion by 2030. Much of the recent growth of plant-forward eating is linked to the COVID-19 pandemic—people stuck at home had found it just a little too tempting to nosh on snacks and sought ways to eat healthier. “According to our research, about three in 10 shoppers report increased consumption of plant-based proteins as a result of COVID, and 89 percent say those increases will be permanent,” reported Supermarket Perimeter.

Coincidentally, a study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health in 2021 found that a plant-based diet may lower the severity of COVID-19 infection by 73 percent. That’s great news, of course, but eating less meat has plenty of other benefits. 

How much protein do you need to eat every day?

Protein is essential to support health and wellness, and the amount of protein you require depends on a variety of factors, including your age, activity level, and muscle mass.

In general, the recommended dietary allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. You can calculate your protein requirement by dividing your weight in pounds by 20 and then multiplying that number by seven. Thus, someone weighing 150 pounds would need 52 grams of protein each day. 

According to the Harvard Medical School, however, most adults get too much protein, consuming about 16 percent of their daily calories, though a relatively active adult needs only 10 percent.

Excellent plant-based sources of protein include whole grains, beans and other legumes, nuts, and vegetables. Studies continue to show that plant protein is far healthier than animal protein, with the latter being associated with lower mortality.

Meat-free and low-meat diets

The medical community continues to recommend reducing or eliminating meat consumption to lower the risk of health issues such as cancer, with red meats (flesh from mammals) and processed meats regarded as the unhealthiest….”

View the whole story here: https://vegnews.com/2022/3/health-benefits-meatless-plant-based-protein