Veggie meat can be made up of potatoes, mushrooms, cheese, eggs and other fillers, or it may be exclusively vegan, prepared out of soy products. Many people that are opting for veggie meat may have questions about how veggie meat compares to real meat, and whether the veggie meat can fully replace it.
Caloric Content
The caloric content of veggie meat may vary according to the ingredients used. Most commonly, veggie meat is made up of:
- Mushrooms
- Beans
- Potatoes
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Onions
- Corn or other fillers
- Bread
However, there are also products that contain only soy and other fillers, made for vegans that don't eat milk products and eggs.
The calorie content of veggie meat may be higher than that of real meat, if the veggie meat contains ingredients such as cheese, bread and other fillers that are high in carbs. The calorie content of real meat may vary according to the type of meat (i.e., pork may have more calories than the same amount of lean chicken meat).
The soy meat may have a lower calorie content than real meat, but it also depends on what other ingredients are used. It's important to read the labels and see the calorie count per 100 g of veggie meat.
Nutritional Content
When it comes to nutritional content, the real meat is essential due to the amounts of protein and fat. Some veggie meats contain a fewproteins and fats. Soy is a great source of proteins, and so are beans and eggs; cheeses will provide the fat content for the veggie meat.
Comparing Taste
The taste of veggie meat will be different than the taste of real meat, and may vary according to the ingredients. Meat eaters may not be great fans of veggie meat, but vegetarians and vegans may find the taste superior.
How Healthy These Meats Are
When it comes to establishing how healthy these meats are (both real meat and veggie meat) the response will also depend on the ingredients of the veggie meat and the type of real meat.
The non-processed meat may contain proteins and fats, which are needed by the organism, but when consumed in excess, the meat can lead to a high cholesterol index and obesity. In addition, some meats may contain parasites, which can cause infections or an upset stomach. If the meat is processed, it may not be healthy, because it contains numerous unsaturated fats and salt. Burgers or salami may contain poor quality meat, so these products may not be considered very healthy.
The consumption of poor quality meat has been linked to colon cancer, stomach problems and heart disease. Veggie meat may be healthier than real meat, but it all depends on what other ingredients are in the product. Veggie meats that contain mostly cheese and eggs may also have a high fat and calorie content, which can result in an increased cholesterol and even obesity (but only when consumed in excess).
