Is plant-based meat healthy? What the research shows with Prof. Christopher Gardner

Meat consumption continues to be high in both the US and the UK. Yet many governments advise reducing meat consumption, particularly red meat, due to both environmental and health concerns.

In this episode, we delve into the sizzling world of meat alternatives. They promise sustainability, animal welfare, and better health. Buzzwords like "plant-based" and "meat-free" proudly adorn their packaging. But are they actually healthy? Or should we consider them as ultra-processed foods and avoid them?

Christopher Gardner is a Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and the Director of the Stanford Prevention Research Centre, and a world-leading expert in how the food that we eat impacts our health.

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Timecodes:

00:00Introduction

01:25Quickfire questions

03:50What is a meat alternative?

05:22What's driving the trend for more alternatives?

07:47Should you eat less red meat?

08:38What is in meat alternatives?

10:22Traditional meats vs meat alternatives

13:41Are meat alternatives ultra-processed?

14:47Latest scientific studies

23:56What were the findings?

29:48Is the quality of the protein as good as real meat?

34:00Are meat alternatives healthy?

38:53Are whole food based meat alternatives healthier?

40:05What are the practical tips around meat alternatives?

43:21How do ultra-processed foods come into this?

45:23What are other ways people can transition away from red meat?

50:33What are the differences between bad and good quality meat?

📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:

• Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati
• Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector
• Fibre Fuelled by Dr Will Bulsiewicz

Studies referenced in today’s episode:

• StudyWith Appetizing Plantfood—Meat Eating Alternative Trial (SWAP-MEAT), published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
• SWAP-MEATAthlete (study with appetizing plant-food, meat eating alternatives trial) a randomized crossover trial, published in Nutrition Journal.

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Episode transcripts are available here.