Study finds a possible link between plant-based meat and depression in vegetarians

Vegetarians who consume plant-based alternatives to meat may have a 42 percent increased risk of depression compared to vegetarians, according to a study suggested as one of the measures to reduce the environmental impact of meat. Let’s abstain. Published in the journal Food Frontiers, the study found lower levels of high blood pressure and inflammation as well as ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) in vegetarians who ate plant-based meat alternatives.
Researchers at the University of Surrey in the UK analyzed data from more than 3,300 vegetarians in the UK Biobank – about half were consumers of plant-based meat alternatives, and half were non-consumers. Made using plant-based proteins such as soy, plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are considered a potential solution to sustainability, as they require less water, land and energy to produce compared to animal meat. Natural resources are required.
However, these meat alternatives are also considered ‘ultra-processed foods’, as they often have chemicals added to make them taste like meat. The researchers said that consuming plant-based meat alternatives is not associated with clear health benefits, but more studies are needed to examine concerns related to inflammation that may arise from eating these products.
“In conclusion, while there were no clear health risks or benefits associated with PBMA intake in vegetarians, the higher risk of depression, elevated CRP (C-reactive protein), and lower apolipoprotein A levels (HDL cholesterol) in consumers of PBMA may indicate potential inflammation.” indicate concerns that warrant further investigation,” the authors wrote.
Co-author Anthony Whetton, Professor of Translational Biosystems at the University of Surrey, said: “Ultra-processed plant-based meat alternatives could be a useful way for people to effectively adopt a vegan diet, helping sustainable agricultural practices. “Further research, including longitudinal studies and trials with more diverse populations, is necessary to confirm these findings and the relationship between vegetarian diets and mood,” Wetton said.
In the study group, researchers found no notable differences in intake of sodium, free sugars, total sugars, or saturated fatty acids between vegetarians who ate plant-based meat alternatives and those who did not. The team also found that consuming plant-based meat alternatives was associated with a 40% lower risk of irritable bowel syndrome.
The senior author said, “The overall findings are reassuring, suggesting that plant-based meat alternatives may be a safe choice when they are part of an overall balanced diet. However, between these foods, inflammation and depression The possible connection requires further investigation.” Nofar Ziffman, Professor of Health and Biomedical Informatics at the University of Surrey.