The College of Science at the University of Basrah organized a workshop entitled "Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: Prospects for Production and Assessment of Their Impact on Human Bone Health." The workshop was presented by Ms. Zainab Jassim Abdul-Ridha, Dr. Iqbal Abdulaziz Hazam, and Ms. Zainab Ali Mohammed Saleh. The workshop aimed to highlight modern trends in producing meat alternatives from plant sources such as wheat and soybeans, and to study their nutritional value and impact on human health, particularly bone health.
The workshop included three main themes. The first addressed the definition of plant-based meat alternatives and the mechanisms for manufacturing them to obtain protein-rich products similar to animal meat in nutritional composition. The second theme explained the role of plant proteins in supporting bone formation, reducing calcium loss, and enhancing bone density. The third theme discussed the effect of isoflavones found in soy, which act as natural estrogen substitutes, while emphasizing the need for moderation in their consumption to avoid any potential hormonal effects.
The workshop recommended raising awareness about the health benefits of plant-based alternatives, and encouraging research into developing safe and balanced food products that contribute to promoting bone health and improving individuals' dietary patterns.
