As vegetarian and vegan diets become increasingly popular (and convenient), you may wonder whether veggie burgers are a healthier alternative to regular burgers. In general, the answer is yes. Plant-based proteins have been shown to offer many health benefits, and the public needs to understand why they can be better for our bodies than animal proteins.
Veggie Burgers vs. Regular Burgers
Let’s compare the two burgers to see which one is healthier:
Saturated Fat
Regular burgers, often made with beef or other animal proteins, are typically high in saturated fat and cholesterol. This can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer over time. On the flip side, veggie burgers are usually made from plant proteins like beans or grains and contain little to no saturated fat or cholesterol.
Fiber
Veggie burgers also contain more fiber than regular burgers, which helps keep you fuller longer and can help control blood sugar. Americans, on average, don’t consume enough fiber, so adding veggie burgers to your diet can be a great way to get more of this vital nutrient.
Nutrients
In addition to having lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, veggie burgers usually contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals than regular burgers. For example, many brands are fortified with B-vitamins like folate and B12, as well as iron and zinc. This makes them particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans who may not be getting enough of these essential nutrients from animal-based sources.
Healthy or Hype?
One crucial factor to remember, though, is that some processed veggie burgers may have just as much fat and calories as regular burgers. They may also have a high level of sodium due to the preservatives used to extend the shelf life of these products. Therefore, it is important to always read the nutrition label and ingredients list before purchasing a veggie burger.
A workaround for this problem is to create your own veggie burger with fresh, unprocessed ingredients. It’s easy to find recipes online that include a variety of vegetables and legumes to make a delicious and healthy meal.
Veggie burgers are typically healthier than regular burgers, and they’re a great way to get plant-based proteins into your diet. If you want to make sure you’re getting the most nutrition out of your veggie burgers, look for ones that are made with whole grains and legumes, as well as healthful fats like avocado or nuts.
