“Life is too short for fake butter, fake cheese, fake smiles, or fake friends.”
If you fall for the advertising, fake meat and dairy products may seem appealing. They are marketed as being better for your health, the environment, and animal welfare. And the options are plentiful. The market has exploded with dairy-free yogurt, milk, ice cream, gluten-based cold cuts, faux-chicken, beef-looking crumbles, fish-free tuna, faux-eggs and meltable cheese substitutes.
These synthetic foods may be more enticing than original plant-based staples like bean burgers or tofu, but there is good cause to exercise caution. Just because something is plant based, doesn’t mean it is good for you. In this case, the opposite may be true. Over processing of plant matter strips healthy nutrients while adding harmful agents.
What Is Synthetic Food?
When we talk about synthetic foods, we are referring to those that are made from substances that are chemically synthesized. These edible products are created in labs by scientists. This synthetic biology was first used to produce biofuels, medicines, and “super-bacteria” to clean up oil spills. Now it is being used to make food.
The process begins with natural ingredients that are stripped down, often to the point at which they become colorless, odorless, high-protein, high-fiber powders. The substance barely resembles food at this point. It lacks vital nutrients and flavor.
In order to make the substance palatable, manufactures add artificial coloring, gums, preservatives, oils, and questionable additives like methylcellulose or carrageenan. Synthetic food labels are becoming reminiscent of the processed foods we have learned to avoid. They tend to be high in sodium and added sugar.
Health Concerns of Fake Food
Replacing real food with synthetic creations is new science. There is little transparency, few regulations and even less research. There is clear cause for consumers to be cautious. Consumers have become guinea pigs in a sense, testing the safety and long-term effects. We have no way of knowing the consequences of ingesting these ingredients.
Experts worry about potentially severe allergic reactions. Synthetic biology creates new protein compounds to which some people may be sensitive. If you feel unwell after consuming synthetic foods, this may be the cause.
Studies also show that cooking plant-based foods at high temperatures can create acrylamide—a known carcinogen (Center For Consumer Freedom).
Choose Real Food
Your body needs fiber, vitamins, minerals, monounsaturated fats and polyphenols. The best way to nourish your body and gain all of those nutrients is with real, whole, organic food. Life is too short for fake food. Choose real.
For more guidance on improving your energy and protecting your health, schedule a phone consultation with Rose.
*This blog contains Amazon affiliate links. The owner of this site may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended.
What To Remember
Plant-based doesn’t always mean good for your health.We don’t know the long-term consequences of synthetic foods.Processed foods contain harmful ingredients and lack vital nutrients.Choose organic whole foods to foster wellness.
Sources:
National Milk Producers Federation. (May, 2019). Fake-Milk Lacks Key Ingredients. NMPF.org.
Wilson, Bee. (January, 2019). The Trouble with Fake Meat. TheGuardian.com.
Clean Food Facts. (February, 2020). Plant-Based Meat Can Have This Carcinogen. Consumer Freedom.com.
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