A recent study has found that most plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy products contain lower levels of saturated fats and higher levels of fiber compared to their animal-derived counterparts.
According to a report by the British news site “Sky News,” researchers also discovered that these plant-based alternatives have significantly lower environmental impacts, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less strain on water resources.
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) analyzed over 90 studies and reports from the period between 2016 and 2022 focusing on plant-based alternatives. They concluded that these alternatives could serve as a “useful starting point towards adopting a healthy and sustainable diet.”
However, the researchers cautioned that “the nutritional value can vary greatly between products,” noting that “plant-based alternatives may be healthier and richer in nutrients, but their nutritional content is complex.” They concluded that “the nutritional value of some products aligns with established recommendations, such as being rich in fiber and low in saturated fats.”
The researchers also highlighted that “evidence suggests positive health benefits of transitioning to plant-based meats and dairy alternatives.”