Unless you are completely out of touch, I am quite sure that you have seen ads for non-meat hamburgers. Both can be bought from fast food establishments and from the frozen food section of your local grocer.
The television advertisements push these vegetarian (vegan) substitutes as being good for you and just as good as a meat hamburger.
Well I am going to address both of these claims. I do happen to eat meatless (vegetarian) burgers from time to time, they are cheaper than those made of meat (100% beef). One, I find that while they try to imitate the real thing, for me at least they fall short. If I add some pickles and other condiments, then they are not too bad. I do find that they are too spicy, I guess this is how they try to make their product taste like the real thing.
Secondly none of the advertisements mention the fact that these non-meat burgers are very high in salt content. Why does this matter? It does if you have high blood pressure. Blood pressure is raised by ingesting too much salt. Blood Pressure UK says, “Salt works on your kidneys to make your body hold on to more water.
This extra stored water raises your blood pressure and puts strain on your kidneys, arteries, heart and brain.”
That does not sound like a food that is good for you and especially for those who have high blood pressure and yet no mention of the use of large amounts of salt in their products is either alluded to nor is there any mention of the fact(s) that a meat burger might be the healthier alternative. Yes, I know all you vegans are now rising up to say that eating meat is bad for us. Well that is not true and you know it, especially when only meat is eaten in moderation.
Also you should look at how much protein is in each non-meat burger. Taub-Dix told INSIDER, “As a frame of reference, there’s about 7 grams of protein in one ounce of [meat] protein, so if your veggie burger has around 4 grams of protein — that’s like eating only about a half an ounce of chicken. ”
In addition to being an essential part of our diet, consuming protein also helps us to feel satiated. Taub-Dix said that vegetarians and vegans should really pay attention to this value, especially since they’re likely relying on the meatless patty to be a major source of their protein intake.
When looking for a meatless burger, it’s best to go for ones that are made with protein-rich plant foods, like beans, nuts, and soy. Taub-Dix recommends Dr. Praeger’s All American Veggie Burger, which packs a whopping 28 grams of protein.” Also Taub-Dix said to get the taste right salt is used; “This is because extra sodium is often added to meatless products as a preservative and flavor enhancer. Beef in particular contains animal fat that gives it that bold flavor people crave, so mimicking that taste can be difficult and require extra sodium.”
So before going out and eating a non-meat (vegetarian) burger find out what is in it and do not assume that it is good for you just because it contains no meat!
That is my opinion- Jumpin Jersey Mike
