There was a time when the veggie burger was considered to be an option that was reserved for vegetarians or individuals who were on a weight loss plan. Today, however, the veggie burger is a popular choice for anyone who wants to make healthier choices in their diet. If you love the taste and aroma of a juicy beef burger, you might want to consider switching to a veggie burger. Here are some reasons why you should make the switch.
1. Low-Fat and Low-Calorie
If you're trying to lose some weight but you don't want to drastically change your diet, a veggie burger makes an ideal addition to your daily menu. Veggie burger patties are low in saturated fat, making them a great diet food. A regular lean beef patty contains about 10 grams of fat, while the average veggie burger patty only has about three grams of fat. However, not all veggie burgers have low fat content, so make sure that you read the labels. Some veggie burgers only pose as low-fat, but actually contain more fat than regular beef burgers.
Many veggie burgers also contain fewer calories than beef burgers. Some veggie burgers contain as few as 70 calories, compared to the average beef burger which can exceed 200 calories per serving.
2. Less or No Preservatives
Preservatives are additives that you will commonly find in processed foods. Preservatives are added in order to extend their shelf life. This may be a benefit for the food manufacturers, but there is a big health-related drawback for you. Preservatives such as those in meat burgers contain sodium nitrites, which can lead to life-threatening diseases such as brain cancer or leukemia.
3. Rich In Fiber
Veggie burgers not only help you maintain weight and avoid bacterial infection, but can also help you prevent serious diseases such as colon cancer. This is because a veggie burger contains a high amount of fiber. This fiber is not only good for the colon but also beneficial to your heart. Red meat such as beef may be linked to colon cancer.
4. Help Prevent Disease
Some veggie burgers can benefit your health by helping you prevent disease. For instance, soy (which is usually an ingredient in veggie burgers) is known to contain phytochemicals that help lower your body's LDL cholesterol, also known as the "bad" cholesterol. This cholesterol can clog arteries and block blood flow, causing heart disease or a heart attack. The soy in veggie burgers can also help you avoid osteoporosis and other bone diseases, by helping your bones retain calcium.
One of the disadvantages of eating veggie burgers is the fact that some of them may contain high amounts of sodium. This is why it's advisable that you read the nutritional label to make sure that the burger does not contain more sodium than what is healthy. You might also want to check the ingredients to ensure that you are not allergic to any of them.
