Ending the Rise of the Carnivore

HI! I hope you are hungry!

In a quest for healthier and environmentally-friendlier alternatives to meat-based diets, I discovered the existence of  soy-meat alternatives, the Portobello mushroom and the famous plant-based Mediterranean diet.

Soy-meat alternatives, or “meat analogs”, are generally produced with soy proteins or tofu as its base and combined with ingredients like vegetable proteins, and wheat gluten (Fig. 1). Soya’s prominence in food cultures rose when it was discovered to be the only natural source of isoflavones[1], along with many essential nutrients and numerous health benefits (Moţa, et al., 2007).

Fig. 1 Soy-meat alternatives
(source: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-soy-meat-alternative-image4654252)

However, the biggest hurdle in lowering global meat consumption lies in meat-lovers having to forgo the unique flavour of authentic meat. That’s where the Portobello mushroom saves the day. As it is a fungi which possesses meaty flavours, it is used in various recipes including vegetarian burgers (Fig. 2) (TFN, 2014)!

Fig. 2 Delicious Portobello Mushroom Burger

(source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/portobello-mushroom-burgers)

Calls to reduce meat consumption also offers an opportunity to advocate the plant-based Mediterranean diet to the world (Fig. 3). Being healthy and delicious, this diet offers much incentives for meat lovers as meats are associated with chronic diseases.

Fig. 3 Delectable dishes based on the Mediterranean diet

(source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/mediterranean-diet-plan/mediterranean-diet/prweb11021511.htm)

This diet is plant-based (fruits, vegetables, beans and olive oil), with legumes (remember our friend soya?), fish and eggs replacing meat as the main protein source (Fig. 4). Due to observed longevity and low rates of chronic diseases in the Mediterranean regions, it has received much attention by health critics and researchers (Willett, et al., 1995).

Fig.4 Mediterranean food pyramid
(source: http://kopiaste.org/2010/05/eating-healthier-and-losing-weight-following-the-mediterranean-diet/)

Hopefully, such alternative diets can replace current unsustainable meat consumption. By encouraging consumption of plant proteins, environmental degradation can be reduced as plant-based agriculture has smaller carbon footprints. Our planet can then continue to comfortably support future healthy generations. 

After all, quoting the Roman poet Virgil, the greatest wealth is health.

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[1] A natural chemical believed to be capable of preventing and treating cancer.

Literature Cited

Moţa, M., Gârgavu, S., Popa, S., Schiopu, S., Panduru, N. M., & Moţa, E. (2007). Soya--the medicine food product. Romanian Journal of Internal Medicine, 113-121.

TFN, Television Food Network (2014, April 26). Portobello Mushroom Recipes. Retrieved from Food Network: http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/portobello-mushroom-recipes.html

Willett, W. C., Sacks, F., Trichopoulou, A., Drescher, G., Ferro-Luzzi, A., Helsing, E., & Trichopoulos, D. (1995). Mediterranean diet pyramid: a cultural model for healthy eating. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1402S-1406S.