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Health

Vegans who avoid ultra-processed food risk being protein deficient

Two relatively recent dietary trends – veganism and concerns about highly processed foods – may be in conflict with each other

By Clare Wilson

20 December 2023

Vegan burgers, sausages and mince are often made from textured soya protein, a highly processed ingredient

dropStock/Shutterstock

Health-conscious vegans may face a trade-off between eating enough protein and avoiding highly processed foods.

The finding comes from a study of people in Brazil who ate a plant-based diet. They were more likely to consume recommended amounts of protein if they consumed more processed foods, such as plant-based sausages and burgers, often made from textured soya protein.

This suggests a potential conflict between two recent eating trends – veganism and concerns about highly…

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