(WellnessPursuits.com) – Just in time for Memorial Day BBQ’s, a new meat-replacement burger is on the market, and it is pretty unreal. The Impossible Burger looks like real meat and has the texture of beef. These burgers even bleed! Don’t be fooled, however. They’re made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
How does the health of an Impossible Burger compare to real meat or other veggie burger options? Let’s break down the facts.
Comparing Macros
Macronutrients are the elements of food that humans need to consume in large amounts to survive. Carbohydrates, protein and fat all land in this category of nutrients.
With 19 grams of protein, Impossible Burgers are higher in protein than other veggie burgers, which average 11 grams of protein. Impossible Burgers are lower in protein than real meat burgers, however, by 10 grams.
The carb count is higher in veggie burgers and Impossible Burgers, with real meat burgers having zero carbs. That being said, Impossible Burgers only have 9 grams of carbohydrates and standard veggie burgers have 10, so neither of the foods has an excessive amount of carbs.
Standard veggie burgers have the lowest fat content, with only 4 grams. This is compared to the 14 grams of fat in an Impossible Burger and 10 grams in a real meat burger.
Other Considerations
Before deciding which type of burger is right for you, it’s important to consider your priorities. If there are ethical or personal considerations fueling your desire to turn to plant-based options, the nutritional qualities of each option might not hold as much weight.
However, if you’re looking to lower your carbohydrate intake or incorporate more protein in your diet for health reasons, the real meat burger is the way to go. If you need to cut back on saturated fat, you might want to consider opting for a standard veggie burger, which only has one gram.
Balance is Key!
There is nothing particularly harmful about having a real meat burger, but all high-fat foods should be consumed in moderation. Balance is all about enjoying the foods you love without going overboard. This means that those who just love red meat don’t need to say goodbye forever — they just need to realize that health experts recommend eating less than 17 ounces of red meat a week.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Pursuits!
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