What the Studies Say About Animal vs Plant-Based Meat

Beyond Burger and Impossible Meat entered the scene a few years ago to great fanfare over there being a tasty alternative to animal meat that was healthier, more environmental, and cruelty-free. Shortly after, the animal agriculture industry started a massive campaign to discredit these competing plant-based products by positioning them as "ultraprocessed" and "unhealthy". On this AJA Lunchtime Live, we have Dr. Matthew Nagra joining us to set the record straight. He was the lead researcher of a meta-analysis published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology that looked at studies from 1970 to 2023 comparing plant-based and animal-based meats. He'll give us details on this large-scale review that reveals that plant-based meat alternatives -- even the so-called "ultraprocessed" products -- are more heart-healthy than meat from animals and better support reductions in weight. We'll also look at how plant-based meats are not only are better for the body, but better for the planet. Matthew will give us tips on how to effectively to dispel these harmful myths about plant-based meats.