Certain plant-based foods aren’t healthier, study reveals
According to a recent study, vegan plant-based fast food meals may not necessarily have fewer calories compared to their meat-based counterparts. Researchers examined a total of 1868 meals, including sandwiches, salads, noodles, and pizza, from 50 fast-food chains in five countries, including the UK.
The chains involved in the study were Wagamama, Pret, Pizza Express, Leon, and Burger King.
The research team collected data on calorie content, allergens, and the quantities of nutrients, fiber, and salt in each meal.
The findings, published in the journal Nutrition, revealed that plant-based meals generally had lower levels of protein and sodium but higher levels of carbohydrates and sugar compared to meat-based options.
However, contrary to popular belief, the study found that plant-based meals were not associated with lower calorie counts. This may come as disappointing news for those seeking to lower their weight. Author Mikołaj Kamiński from the Poznań University of Medical Sciences in Poland explained that plant-based fast-food meals tended to contain more carbohydrates and sugar than their meat-based counterparts.
The study highlights the importance of making informed food choices, particularly when consuming fast food, especially for individuals with conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
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Furthermore, the study revealed that meat-based meals were more likely to contain allergens such as dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, and mustard. On the other hand, plant-based meals were more likely to contain allergens such as sesame, seeds, and nuts.
The findings shed light on the notion that plant-based alternatives automatically equate to healthier choices, especially when it comes to popular fast-food dishes. Consumers need to be aware of the nutritional content of these meals and make informed decisions based on their specific dietary and health needs.
