Extensive Research Reveals 32 Health Risks Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods

[CousinIT]

2. Even vegan/vegetarian products like fake "chicken" nuggets...

...are made of "soy protein isolate". It's highly processed soy. The processing involves chemicals and removes all the fiber and other nutrients except the protein. Then the glop/paste is shaped, breaded and seasoned. I still eat it maybe once a week but on other days, I stick to protein from whole grains or use tempeh (which is fermented soy cake and not processed). Tempeh is cheap. I'm learning to marinate and air fry it - it's great on salads, with soup, with other cooked veggies or on a bed of brown or jasmine rice. Tofu or seitan are other options.

The processed soy products are usually not included in these studies but they are highly processed, and for the vegetarians and vegans out there, it's better to minimize consumption of them. I hope to get to a point that I'm not eating them at all (I do when I'm in a hurry or get home late or am very busy). It's a process but I'll get there.