Plant-Based Food Trend – Volume 4 ~ (Article 4 of 4)

by Dr. Marli Botha

Products that mimic traditional animal-based foods comprise a large part of the plant-based market. Some of these products are developed to taste and function like the next best thing, while others are part of a new, distinct niche. A meat analogue is a food industry term for a meat-like substance made from vegetarian ingredients. More common terms are plant-based meat, vegan meat, meat substitute, mock meat, meat alternative, imitation meat, or vegetarian meat or ‘faux’ meat.

Here are 4 more interesting facts about plant-based meat products:

1. Tofu, a popular meat analogue, was invented in China by the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). Soy protein isolates or soybean flour and gluten are usually used as foundation for most meat analogues that are available on the market. Soy protein isolate is a highly pure form of soy protein with a minimum protein content of 90%.
2. While veggie burgers have gone mainstream, other types of alt-meat, poultry and seafood products are taking off. Note that not all plant-based options below are equally healthy. As always, if you’ve made your own burger at home from mushrooms and lentils, it would be healthier than a burger made with coconut oil at the store. With white, fat-like flecks of cocoa butter and red colour from beet juice, some of the plant-based patties may even resemble traditional meat burgers.
3. Plant-based seafood includes Tuna, Crab and Fish Cakes. Currently most of the Plant-Based Seafood is made from elephant yams, mung bean, seaweed and even carrots.
4. Heritage Day, 24 September, is often celebrated around a braai with family and friends. For many South Africans who are reducing their meat consumption to improve their health, reduce their environmental footprint, or for ethical reasons, Braai Day might seem like a challenge. The reality is that there are so many amazing plant-based meat replacements available for South Africans to try!

I

t is important to mention that no food is meant to be a cure-all for any condition, though there are certainly health and skin benefits contained within them. The one thing you should always do before using a new skin care product is to do a patch test to look for allergies and sensitivities.