Martin Freeman made headlines recently when he revealed that he’s abandoned his vegetarian diet after 38 years, citing concerns about the highly processed nature of meat substitutes.
The “Sherlock” star disclosed that his return to eating meat allows him to enjoy delicacies like pork pies and scotch eggs, which he affectionately refers to as the “food of the gods.”
Speaking on the Dish podcast with Nick Grimshaw and chef Angela Hartnett while relishing an Italian bolognese, Freeman, 52, shared his dietary shift, confessing, “I’ve now, I’ve come off being a vegetarian. I started being a vegetarian in like January 1986.”
Explaining his initial decision to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle during his teenage years due to discomfort with consuming animals, Freeman expressed his pleasure at finally indulging in dishes he had missed for decades.
Reflecting on his experience with vegetarian substitutes, Freeman acknowledged his enjoyment of them but voiced concerns about their highly processed nature. He emphasised his preference for eating less processed foods.
Expressing his joy at embracing meat again, Freeman jovially mentioned relishing scotch eggs and pork pies, delighting in the freedom of choice.
While Freeman’s dietary choice garnered attention, recent research has raised questions about the health benefits of plant-based meat alternatives. A study found no clear advantage for heart health among those consuming plant-based meat products compared to their meat-eating counterparts.
Participants in the study, who were at risk of type 2 diabetes, were divided into carnivorous and plant-based dietary groups. Despite expectations, no significant differences were observed in cardiovascular risk factors between the two groups.
Additionally, researchers noted concerns about the highly processed nature of plant-based meat alternatives, which can be high in salt, saturated fat, and additives to mimic the taste and texture of real meat.
These findings underscore the need for further research and development to improve the nutritional profile of plant-based meat alternatives. While interest in plant-based diets continues to rise, with many citing ethical, environmental, and health reasons, the study highlights the importance of making informed dietary choices.
