"Soy Meat Eaten by Vegetarians Increases Mortality Risk Compared to Regular Diet"

Sausages and Patties Made from Soybeans Are Ultra-Processed Foods
High in Salt and Fat, May Actually Have More Calories
"Can't Avoid Them... Need a Balanced Diet"

Mass-produced foods that go through multiple manufacturing processes, such as ice cream, potato chips, and chicken nuggets, are called "ultra-processed foods." Recently, some have raised concerns that a significant portion of vegan foods may fall into this category of "ultra-processed foods." This is because the process of making fake meat from soy protein and other ingredients involves processing the raw materials.

On the 12th (local time), the British broadcaster BBC introduced the controversy surrounding "ultra-processed foods" in vegan diets. Snacks like biscuits and potato chips, as well as ice cream, sauces, and frozen foods, are ultra-processed foods made through complex processes from raw ingredients. Although nutritionists differ on the exact definition of ultra-processed foods, these foods generally have the drawback of containing large amounts of sugar, salt, and fat to enhance flavor, resulting in high calorie content.

Fake patties and fake sausages made from soy protein have recently become popular vegan foods. However, these products are at risk of being classified as 'ultra-processed foods.'
[Image source=Getty Images]

The problem is that ultra-processed foods have expanded into the realm of vegan diets. Recently, "alternative meat" products such as fake sausages and patties made from soy protein have emerged in vegan foods. These products undergo complex processing to transform plant-based proteins into textures similar to meat.

BBC reported, "There are concerns that fake meat made for vegetarians could be harmful ultra-processed foods," adding, "A study shows that people who frequently consume plant-derived ultra-processed foods have a 12% higher risk of death compared to those who eat a regular diet."

So, are "ultra-processed vegan foods" actually harmful to health? Opinions among nutritionists vary regarding the risks of products like soy sausages and plant-based patties. Above all, ultra-processed foods can be beneficial to health depending on the type. BBC pointed out, "For example, cereals and bread contain fiber, an essential nutrient," but "other ultra-processed foods may be severely deficient in fiber and various other nutrients."

Also, just because a food is not ultra-processed does not necessarily mean it is healthy. For instance, excessive consumption of "raw ingredients" such as red meat can negatively affect cardiovascular health.

However, it is true that ultra-processed foods contain a lot of sugar and salt due to the processing, which means they provide many calories even in small amounts. Additionally, their generally good taste can lead to overeating unintentionally. Higher calorie intake leads to weight gain.

For this reason, experts emphasize the need for consumers to regulate their intake of ultra-processed foods themselves. Sarah Berry, a professor in the Department of Nutrition at King's College London and chief scientist at the nutrition company ZOE, told BBC, "It is impossible to avoid all ultra-processed foods, whether animal-based or vegan," and explained, "Even if you eat patties or canned foods, as long as you accompany them with fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes to maintain a balanced diet, you are on the right track."