How do processed plant-based foods stack up against meat? (Getty Creative) It’s the longtime debate between vegetarians and meat eaters: Are plant-based alternatives to meat really better for you, even if they’re processed ? New research says yes.

A review of studies comparing plant-based and animal-based meats , just published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, found that these highly processed plant-based meat alternatives (or PBMAs) have more heart-healthy nutritional profiles. These plant-based products include items made with protein sources such as vital wheat gluten ( also known as seitan ), soy protein, pea protein and mycoprotein , and with fat sources like coconut oil, olive oil and vegetable oil.

Though these PBMAs often have a high sodium content, researchers who looked at relevant studies from 1970 to 2023 found that they did not raise blood pressure as one might expect from salt-laden foods, and actually improved cholesterol levels in a number of randomized controlled trials. It’s worth noting, however, that there is limited research on how these food products may impact the risk of heart attack or stroke.

So — should you add more highly processed plant-based foods into your diet? Here’s what experts say. Why experts are still cautious about some processed plant-based foods

Dr. Misagh Karimi , an oncologist at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, Calif., tells Yahoo Life that “plant-based meats tend to be better for us than meat, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are healthy.” He points to the high sodium content in these foods, which could potentially push a person over the recommended intake limit of 2,300 mg per day for most adults. In addition to causing high blood pressure (which this study did not link these foods to), too much sodium in one’s diet can also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Registered dietitian Michelle Routhenstein tells Yahoo Life that though plant-based meat alternatives may help cut down on red meat consumption, “we must look at the details of what exactly is in the product.” While some plant-based meat alternatives like tempeh, tofu or bean-based products may be low in […]

Is plant-based meat better for your health and heart? What a new study says.