Impossible Burgers: Laxative Or Not?

Impossible Burgers and Beyond Meat burgers are plant-based burgers designed to taste like meat. They are marketed as a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to beef burgers. However, some people have questioned whether these meatless burgers are as healthy as they claim to be. One of the controversial ingredients in Impossible Burgers is methylcellulose, which is derived from cellulose and is used as an emulsifier, thickener, and laxative. While it is generally considered safe for human consumption, some consumers have expressed concerns about the potential side effects of consuming methylcellulose.

Methylcellulose, the main ingredient in some laxatives, is found in Impossible Burgers

Methylcellulose, a chemical compound derived from treating vegetable cellulose with a chemical agent, is the main ingredient in some over-the-counter laxatives. It is also found in Impossible Burgers, where it acts as a binding agent to hold the ingredients together and improve the texture. While it is generally recognised as safe for human consumption, some consumers have expressed concern about the presence of this ingredient in Impossible Burgers, worrying that it may cause explosive side effects.

Methylcellulose is used as a binding or thickening agent in many foods, including ice cream, bread, cakes, and chocolate. It is also commonly added to laxatives, as it aids the absorption of water into the intestines, which helps to soften stools. The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that methylcellulose is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union as safe for human consumption when consumed in moderation. However, when used as a laxative, the dosage of methylcellulose is important, with adults advised not to consume more than 6 grams per day.

In Impossible Burgers, methylcellulose makes up less than 2% of the total weight, or less than 2 grams per serving. While this is considered a safe amount, some consumers have still raised concerns about the potential effects of consuming this ingredient. It is important to note that methylcellulose is present in many other foods, and it is unlikely that someone would have an adverse reaction specifically to the Impossible Burger. However, as with any new food, it is always important to read labels and balance out your portions to ensure you are aware of what you are consuming and how it may affect your body.

In conclusion, while methylcellulose, the main ingredient in some laxatives, is found in Impossible Burgers, it is present in small amounts that are generally recognised as safe for human consumption. However, consumers should still be mindful of their intake and how it fits into their overall diet and portions.

Methylcellulose is a chemical compound derived from vegetable cellulose

Methylcellulose is a chemical compound that is synthetically produced by heating cellulose—a natural fibre present in a variety of plant foods like fruits and vegetables—with a caustic solution (e.g. a solution of sodium hydroxide) and treating it with methyl chloride. This process results in a tasteless, colourless powder with a unique property: it sets when hot and melts when cold.

Methylcellulose is derived from vegetable cellulose, and it is this treatment with a chemical agent that gives it its distinctive properties. It is not a naturally occurring element, and it is not digestible, but it is non-toxic and non-allergenic.

Methylcellulose has a wide range of applications, from food to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in ice cream, bread, cakes, and chocolate, and as a binding agent in burgers, wallpaper paste, and pastel crayons. It is also used in cosmetics and personal care products like toothpaste, shampoo, and synthetic tears to create the desired consistency.

In the medical field, methylcellulose is used as a bulk-forming laxative, aiding the absorption of water into the intestines to soften stools. It is available over the counter and is considered safe for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union.

Impossible Burgers contain less than 2% methylcellulose

Methylcellulose is also a common ingredient in laxatives, as it aids the absorption of water into the intestines, which helps to soften stools. However, it is important to note that the dosage of methylcellulose in laxatives is typically higher than the amount found in Impossible Burgers. For context, a heaping tablespoon of Citrucel, a common laxative, contains 2 grams of methylcellulose, and adults are advised not to consume more than three servings (6 grams) per day.

The presence of methylcellulose in Impossible Burgers has sparked some concerns among consumers, who may be wary of ingesting a chemical compound associated with laxatives. However, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, methylcellulose is approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union as safe for human consumption in moderation.

While Impossible Burgers do contain a small amount of methylcellulose, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile of these plant-based burgers. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. However, it is worth noting that Impossible Burgers are also highly processed and contain unhealthy oils and added salt. As with any food, it is important to read labels, consider portion sizes, and balance your diet with a variety of whole foods to ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs.

Impossible Burgers are highly processed

The Impossible Burger is a highly processed food product. While it is plant-based, it is not automatically healthy. The product is designed to mimic the taste, texture, and aroma of real beef. The ingredients list for the Impossible Burger includes soy protein, soy leghemoglobin (which makes the burger "bleed"), sunflower and coconut oils, methylcellulose, yeast extract, cultured dextrose, food starch, and more.

The high level of processing in the Impossible Burger means that it has a less impressive nutritional profile than whole soy foods. For example, one serving of the Impossible Burger contains less than 8% of the isoflavones found in one serving of tofu or soy milk. Isoflavones are a type of plant compound called flavonoids, which are thought to provide health benefits.

The Impossible Burger is also high in saturated fat, with 8 grams per 4-ounce serving. Diets higher in saturated fat are associated with increased rates of heart disease and premature death. The product is also a significant source of sodium, with one version of the Impossible Burger—the Impossible Whopper at Burger King—containing 1,343 milligrams of sodium, which is more than a regular Whopper.

The Impossible Burger is not a substitute for a green salad or a bowl of lentils and rice—it is designed to be an alternative to meat, not to whole foods or vegan meals. Data shows that consumers who choose the Impossible Burger are almost always choosing it as a substitute for meat, not in place of plant-based meals.

However, the Impossible Burger does have some nutritional benefits. It is a good source of fiber and an excellent source of thiamin and folate, containing twice the iron, twice the potassium, and eight times the calcium per serving as beef. It also contains B vitamins and essential minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.

Impossible Burgers are not organic

The primary ingredients of Impossible Burgers include water, protein from soy and potatoes, flavour from heme, and fat from coconut and sunflower oils. Binders such as methylcellulose and food starch, along with various vitamins and yeast extract, make up the rest of the patty. The inclusion of these additional ingredients distinguishes Impossible Burgers from whole-food-based veggie burgers, which typically contain more natural, plant-based ingredients.

Impossible Burgers are marketed as a nutritious alternative to animal protein, particularly for vegetarians and vegans who may struggle to obtain certain nutrients from plant-based sources alone. For example, vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal sources, so strict vegetarians and vegans must rely on fortified foods like Impossible Burgers to obtain this essential vitamin.

However, it is important to note that the vitamins and minerals in Impossible Burgers are added during processing and are not naturally occurring, as they are in animal-based proteins. Additionally, Impossible Burgers are high in sodium and saturated fat, which may be concerning for those with dietary restrictions or health-related ambitions.

While Impossible Burgers may offer convenience and a meat-like taste and texture, they are not a whole-food or organic option. They are highly processed and contain added ingredients that may not align with the dietary preferences or health goals of all consumers.

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