Hi, everyone. I’m family physician, Dr. Walt Larimore, with an Apple a Day. The latest fad in the “vegetarian” and “healthy food” categories involves a slew of so-called “plant-based fake meats” that proport to be healthier for people and the planet..

Health fads that are less than meaty-ocre—such as fake beef

Watch an Apple a Day with Walt Larimore, MD

TRANSCRIPT

Hi, everyone. I’m family physician, Dr. Walt Larimore, with an Apple a Day.

The latest fad in the “vegetarian” and “healthy food” categories involves a slew of so-called “plant-based fake meats” that proport to be healthier for people and the planet.

Popular meatless hamburgers are sold under brands like “Impossible Foods” and “Beyond Meat.” Most consumers have no idea that these products are actually ultraprocessed foods that contain an astonishing list of additives.

So, which is better, an ultraprocessed fake beef or a real-beef hamburger? The experts say it all comes down to your eating style. If you’re a vegetarian and you miss the taste of a burger, fake beef may be an option once in a while, though a bean- or veggie-based burger is going to be healthier.

But in general, fake beef burgers are no healthier than a grass-fed beef burger, a turkey burger, or a chicken burger.

My advice remains: eat whole foods that are primarily whole plant-based and minimally processed and with few to any additives; and avoid the regular intake of ultraprocessed foods of any type.

I’m Dr. Walt Larimore with your Apple a Day.

Online 8/12/21

Video Taped 9/3/21

TV 10/11-15/21

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