The weather is heating up, pools
are opening, the smoky smell of the grill wafts in the air; all sure signs that
summer is fast approaching. For most
Americans, grilling is the preferred method of cooking when the weather is warm. Almost everyone believes nothing can compete
with that beautiful char that is achieved on a grill. Although it seems like there is a recipe for
grilling just about anything, the good old-fashioned hamburger is a
staple. This year, will you, like many
other Americans, choose to grill a plant-based burger?
Within the past five years, overall
meat consumption for the U.S. has been on a decline. This is due to more Americans choosing to eat
plant-based products over their meat counterparts. In fact, the percentage of Americans
consuming fully plant-based diets has more than doubled in three years! Not only that, but the average American eats
20 pounds less meat per year compared to a decade ago.
The plant-based meat alternative
industry is growing each year, with a recent annual revenue close to $500
million. Many restaurants are now
catching on to the plant-based trend and are adding meatless burgers to their
menus. Since 2008, the sightings of
plant-based burgers on restaurant menus are up 17 percent! Grocery stores have also branched out and
stocked their shelves to plant-based meat alternatives that actually taste
good.
Americans are choosing plant-based
versions of their favorite meals for various reasons including health, taste,
and ethical and environmental concerns.
On the health front, consuming just one hamburger a day can raise the
risk of type 2 diabetes by 41 percent and the risk of colorectal cancer by 21
percent. Cutting out animal products
also ensures that you will not be consuming any cholesterol. Veggie burgers are chock full of healthy
veggies, beans, grains, nuts and seeds, all of which contain protein, fiber,
and antioxidants. So fire up your grill
in preparation for a healthy and veggie filled summer!
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