Nutritional Value of Meat Alternatives and Their (Possible) Contribution to Human Health

Dear Colleagues,

The dynamic landscape of nutrition is in a perpetual state of evolution, prompting exploration into the nutritional value of meat alternatives and their potential impact on human health. These innovative dietary choices have acquired significant attention for their capacity to offer alternatives to traditional meat-centered diets. As we delve into their role in contemporary nutrition, understanding their contribution to individual well-being and their potential positive impact on human health becomes imperative.

A substantial and burgeoning body of research provides compelling evidence that meat alternatives may play a pivotal role in enhancing health and offer promise in contributing to the prevention of prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To comprehensively reveal the nutritional value of meat alternatives and their potential influence on human health, meticulous examination of their nutritional characteristics is warranted. Existing research has already put the spotlight on the potential positive impact of these alternatives in reducing the risk of NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases and specific types of cancer.

Preliminary findings suggest that meat alternatives can be valuable components of dietary choices aligning with global health recommendations. In contrast to traditional meat-centric diets, these alternatives typically offer lower levels of saturated fats and cholesterol while frequently providing a rich source of essential nutrients and plant-based proteins. However, further research is imperative to better quantify and authenticate the effects of meat alternatives and ensure their accessibility and sustainability for a broader audience.

Consequently, we warmly invite submissions that address the following key questions and themes:

What is the nutritional value of meat alternatives, and how can they positively contribute to human health?

What roles can meat alternatives potentially play in the prevention of non-communicable diseases, and how can their health benefits be maximized and disseminated to a wider population?

We eagerly welcome all contributions that shed light on the nutritional aspects of meat alternatives and their potential contributions to human health.

Dr. Peter Deriemaeker
Dr. Evelien Mertens
Guest Editors

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• meat alternatives
• plant-based
• sustainability
• human health
• health benefits
• health prevention