Negative effects of “plant-based meat” on mental health
Negative effects of “plant-based meat” on mental health
12-19-2024
Information / Baghdad..
A new study has shown a link between eating certain plant foods and negative effects on mental health.
Researchers from the University of Surrey in the UK studied data from more than 500,000 people from the UK Biobank, comparing people who ate plant-based meat substitutes (food products made using plant-based ingredients that aim to mimic the taste and texture of animal meat) with those who didn’t.
Plant-based meats, which are used to make fake burgers and sausages, are ultra-processed foods that contain artificial additives such as preservatives and flavours, as well as high levels of sugar, saturated fat and salt.
They found that people who ate these alternatives were 42% more likely to develop depression than those who didn’t eat “plant-based meat.” Tests also revealed that these people had higher blood pressure and higher levels of inflammation.
The link between ultra-processed plant foods and depression is thought to be due to the effect these foods have on the body, particularly in terms of inflammation, as this inflammation can interfere with the chemicals in the brain responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being.
Meanwhile, researchers found that people who ate “plant-based meat” were 40% less likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome.
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