Impossible and Beyond: How Healthy Are These Meatless Burgers for Your Diet

Have you ever wondered if plant-based burgers can truly replace basic beef patties? Nowadays, meatless alternatives are becoming popular, so brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have created plant-based burgers. These healthy burgers look, cook, and taste like real beef. These burgers have gained popularity among vegetarians, vegans, and health-conscious people. Also, people who want to reduce meat consumption for ethical or environmental reasons love these meatless burgers. 

Now, the question is how healthy these meatless burgers are. The Impossible Burger is made from soy protein concentrate, and the Beyond Burger uses pea protein. These meatless burgers provide vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, zinc, and iron, making them a nutrient-rich option. If you are still curious about learning more about the nutritional value of meatless burgers, stay here until the end, as we will discuss their ingredients and how healthy they are in detail!

What Are Meatless Burgers? 

Meatless burgers are plant-based alternatives to basic beef burgers. They are made using ingredients like soy, pea protein, mushrooms, beans, or wheat gluten. These burgers mimic the texture and taste of meat. Some well-known brands, like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, have developed plant-based beef that tastes just like real beef. The meatless beef comes in a brick form with three servings. You can separate and shape the meatless beef into patties. If not, you can use it as crumbled meat in sauces and fillings. It also comes as ready-made patties, either chilled or frozen.

You can grill, sauté, or bake the patties, adjusting the cooking level to your preference, just like traditional meat. Besides using a thermometer, you can check the firmness and color of the patty to see if it is fully cooked or not. These meatless burgers are high in protein and fortified with important nutrients which are commonly found in meat. Also, some burger varieties are highly processed, and they contain added sodium or genetically modified ingredients. Overall, they offer a more sustainable choice compared to beef burgers while still providing the best taste.

What Are Impossible Burgers Made Of? 

The Impossible Burger is made with soy protein concentrate. It is a complete protein that provides all the important amino acids your body needs but cannot produce on its own. According to the research, soy protein will also help lower LDL cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol. It also contains sunflower oil, which is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Besides that, it also has coconut oil, which should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.

The burger is also fortified with important vitamins and minerals like zinc, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, making it a nutrient-rich burger option. One Impossible Burger has 230 calories, 13 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 370 milligrams of sodium, 5 grams of fiber, and 19 grams of protein. While it provides a good amount of protein and fiber, it is important to watch its saturated fat.

What is Beyond Burgers Made Of? 

The Beyond Burger is made with some important ingredients. One of the main components is pea protein, a plant-based protein that helps keep you full and also provides important vitamins and minerals. Rice protein is another plant-based protein source included in this burger. It also contains coconut oil, which is high in saturated fat, so it’s best to consume it in moderation. Additionally, the burger is fortified with important vitamins like B12 (cyanocobalamin) and B3 (niacin) and minerals.

It is the best nutrient-rich option for plant-based eaters. In terms of nutrition, a single Beyond Burger has 230 calories, 14 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 390 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of fiber, and 20 grams of protein. It provides a good amount of protein. However, it is important to be mindful of its fat and sodium content; make sure to consider these things while adding it to your diet.

Pros and Cons Of Meatless Burgers

So, for now, you know much about meatless burgers; here are some pros of meatless burgers:

1. It is a vegan-friendly and gluten-free option that is suitable for different dietary needs.
2. It mimics beef in both flavor and texture; that’s why it is a satisfying alternative.
3. Rich in important nutrients like vitamin B12, folate, and thiamine, which are important for overall health.
4. It provides as much protein as 80% lean beef, making it a strong plant-based protein option.
5. It is a more sustainable choice compared to basic beef burgers. It will reduce the environmental impact. 
6. Easy to cook, and it can be used to make different dishes.

Everything comes with some cons. Here are the cons of these meatless burgers:

1. There is not much research on how soy leghemoglobin affects health in the long run.
2. It contains soy, which is a common allergen and may not be suitable for everyone.
3. It is made with genetically modified ingredients, which some consumers prefer to avoid.
4. Higher in sodium compared to regular beef, which may be a concern for those watching their salt intake.

These burgers offer a plant-based alternative with good nutritional value. When making food choices, it is important to consider the ingredients and dietary impact.

Conclusion:

Meatless burgers like Beyond and Impossible offer a tasty, high-protein alternative to beef. These burgers are environmentally friendly, contain important nutrients, and cater to various dietary preferences. It is a great option for vegans and those looking to cut back on meat. However, they are still processed foods with added sodium and genetically modified ingredients. Some ingredients, like soy leghemoglobin and coconut oil, also raise health concerns when consumed in excess. Though these burgers can be a good substitute for beef, it is best to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet that includes whole and unprocessed foods.