By Mike Thomas, NBHWC September 14, 2023
In recent years, more and more people are thinking about eating in a way that’s better for the environment and their health. That’s why plant-based diets are becoming so popular. One of the foods at the forefront of this movement is the Impossible Burger. But is it really a healthy option? Let’s explore that.
Switching to Plant-Based
A big challenge in convincing people to eat less meat is that they really like the taste and feel of meat. That’s where products like the Impossible Burger come in. They’re designed to taste like meat but are made from plants. So, you can enjoy that meaty taste without the health and environmental concerns.
Health Benefits
When we compare the Impossible Burger to regular meat burgers, it comes out looking pretty good. It has less trans-fats and cholesterol. Trans fat is bad news; it can lead to heart problems and other serious health issues. By choosing plant-based options like the Impossible Burger, you can reduce your risk of these problems. That’s a big win because most of the trans-fat we eat comes from animal products.
Concerns to Keep in Mind
There are a couple of things to watch out for. The Impossible Burger does have added salt, which might be a problem if you’re trying to limit your salt intake. Over 50% of Americans have high blood pressure. The Impossible Burger has five times the amount of salt of a regular beef patty. It also has saturated fat because of coconut oil, which can be unhealthy if you have too much of it. Consuming more saturated fat raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Saturated fat can also lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels.
A Balanced Diet Matters
The Impossible Burger is a good “sometimes” option for people who want to enjoy the taste of meat while making a more positive impact on their health compared to a regular meat burger. But remember, a balanced diet should include a variety of whole plant foods too. So, while the Impossible Burger is an alternative for some of the time, don’t forget to include other healthy plant-based foods in your meals for your “most of the time” eating pattern.
To your better health!
Coach Mike
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to CoachMikeThomas.com.
I always have a few in my freezer for when my husband and son have burgers on the grill. I can pop one of these on and join in the meal.
Agree that this should not be an every day thing, however.