Is the Beyond Burger a Healthy Choice for You and the Planet?
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Beyond Burger
The Beyond Burger has sparked much debate, often being labeled as either "good" or "bad." However, many issues require a nuanced examination rather than simplistic judgments. To truly understand the Beyond Burger, it’s essential to delve into its ingredients and implications.
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients in the Beyond Burger: water, pea protein, expeller-pressed canola oil, refined coconut oil, rice protein, natural flavors, cocoa butter, mung bean protein, methylcellulose, potato starch, apple extract, pomegranate extract, salt, potassium chloride, vinegar, lemon juice concentrate, sunflower lecithin, and beet juice extract.
Thinking about it might make your mouth water!
Section 1.1: Is the Beyond Burger a Healthy Option?
YES: It may lower your risk of colon cancer since studies indicate that people consuming high amounts of red meat have a one-third greater chance of developing colon cancer compared to those who eat less.
NO: However, the nutritional profile of the Beyond Burger is quite similar to that of an 80% lean beef burger, containing 6 grams of saturated fat per serving and significantly more sodium. Beyond Burgers are also highly processed, which often leads to inadequate hunger suppression—similar to fast food nuggets—making them less suitable for weight loss. They do not effectively prevent obesity, heart disease, or diabetes.
Section 1.2: Environmental Impact of the Beyond Burger
YES: According to Beyond Meat, producing a Beyond Burger consumes 99% less water, 93% less land, and 46% less energy than creating a beef patty. The carbon footprint of beef production is staggering, with 36 kilograms of CO2 emitted for every kilogram of beef, akin to driving over 150 miles. Livestock farming contributes significantly to deforestation and water pollution, and the use of antibiotics in industrial farming raises concerns about antibiotic resistance.
YES and NO: While the carbon footprint of Beyond Burgers is smaller than that of chicken, it's five times greater than that of bean patties. The choice remains: if you wish to avoid any resemblance to traditional hamburgers, opting for plant-based alternatives may benefit the planet. But then again, the likelihood of Americans abandoning hamburgers seems just as improbable as a former pop star becoming president.
Chapter 2: What About Animal Welfare?
Cattle, after weaning, are typically either grass or grain-fed until they reach their target weight of 1000-1200 pounds, usually at 18-24 months of age. Since cattle can live up to 20 years, this process is understandably distressing for them. Even dairy cows are often slaughtered for meat after a mere 5-6 years when their milk production declines.
Section 2.1: Conclusion
In conclusion, if your aim is to reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes, both regular and Beyond Burgers are not ideal due to their high salt, fat, and calorie content. However, if your goal is to decrease CO2 emissions and promote animal welfare, then a Beyond Burger might be a better choice. Keep in mind that both Beyond and Impossible Burgers are highly processed, and their long-term health effects remain uncertain. Experts generally advocate for a diet rich in unprocessed foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
As a physician, I’ve witnessed dietary fads shift from healthy to unhealthy and back again. For instance, estrogen therapy for menopausal women was once the norm, only to be reconsidered due to breast cancer risks. Similarly, coffee's reputation has fluctuated dramatically over the years. Highly processed foods like the Beyond Burger raise concerns; unexpected combinations of industrial ingredients can have negative long-term effects.
Sometimes, I still enjoy traditional hamburgers. I have a fondness for cows, which makes this topic all the more complex.
Chapter 3: Further Exploration
For a deeper look into what’s truly in your food, check out these videos.
The first video titled "Here's What You're Really Eating When You Eat A Beyond Burger" provides insightful commentary on the ingredients and health implications of plant-based patties.
The second video, "Honest Review of the 'BEYOND BURGER' Plant-Based Patties," offers a candid assessment of the Beyond Burger's taste and nutritional value.