What is artificial meat, how is it made, what are the benefits and harms?

Artificial meat is obtained by replicating cells taken from animals in the laboratory. One of the main purposes in the production of artificial meat is to meet the protein needs of the growing world’s growing population. Artificial meat is thought to eliminate the need to feed and kill animals.

Hunger, global warming, forest, land use, meeting the protein needs of the human population… Can artificial meat be the solution to all these problems? Scientists who have been working on artificial meat since the 2000s answer this question as “Yes”. Even the founders of Twitter, Biz Stone and Evan Williams, wealthy capital owners such as Bill Gates are among the biggest supporters of artificial meat.

CAN ARTIFICIAL MEAT BE THE FOOD OF THE FUTURE, WHAT EXPERTS SAY ABOUT ARTIFICIAL MEAT?

Artificial meat production is necessary for human beings to survive. Because; First, the hunger rate is extremely high worldwide. According to the United Nations Report, the number of people suffering from hunger is increasing around the world, and malnutrition is spreading. As such, it is obvious that normal animal husbandry will not be sufficient to meet the basic nutritional needs of these people. Therefore, artificial meat has to be produced. On the other hand, after slaughtering the livestock, many parts of it are obligatory. In other words, we cannot benefit from every part of the animal’s body. However, since the meat produced in the laboratory will only be used for food purposes, it is out of question for animal organs to perish.

Expanding artificial meat production will also contribute to the protection of nature. Thus, greenhouse gas emissions will decrease by 90%. A significant amount of this gas is produced by cattle. The effects of this harmful gas, which causes global warming, will be minimized thanks to artificial meat production.

A study conducted at Oxford University shows that artificial meat production is also very advantageous in terms of cost. According to this study, 50% of the energy used in livestock farming is sufficient for artificial meat production. This process requires 95% less water and 99% less land.

At the same time, it is predicted that artificial meat can be equivalent to healthy meat in terms of nutritional value.

HOW IS ARTIFICIAL MEAT PRODUCED?

Artificial meat is called laboratory meat and culture meat in foreign sources. In artificial meat production, firstly, a sample is taken from an animal such as beef, chicken, cattle and goat. Stem cells are obtained from this biopsy. These; It is mixed with a solution of amino acids, glucose, vitamins and minerals. Nutrients and stem cells placed in the bioreactor in the laboratory turn into mature muscle cells after a while. These cells appear as cultured meat.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ARTIFICIAL MEAT, WHY CONSUMPT ARTIFICIAL MEAT?

We can summarize them as follows:
– The protein requirement of the population, which concentrates day by day, will be met in a healthy and adequate manner.
– Greenhouse gases of animal origin, especially methane, will decrease, which will help prevent global warming.
– Land and forest destruction will be prevented.
– Grain products and agricultural lands can be used more efficiently.
– Many animals will survive slaughter.

EVERYONE WILL BE SATISFIED WITH MEAT!

According to current data, the world population has reached 7 billion. 1 billion people are struggling with hunger. Most newborn deaths are due to starvation.

The world population is expected to exceed nine billion by 2050, and artificial meat produced in the laboratory is expected to meet the meat needs of the increasing population.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION WILL REDUCE!

With the widespread use of artificial meat production, there will be a significant reduction in greenhouse gases from animal production. This will make it easier to prevent global warming.

STOP ANTIBIOTICS!

Animals fed on farms are usually given antibiotics. This is to help animals stay healthy.

However, when people eat the meat of animals that receive antibiotics, they get a piece of that antibiotic into their body. This leads to the deterioration of the intestinal flora. Here, artificial meat solves this problem.

ARTIFICIAL MEAT MEANS Liberation from HORMONE!

While animals are raised using traditional methods, they are exposed to hormones as well as antibiotics. Animals are given hormone supplements so that they can grow bigger and give more milk.

The use of these hormones has been banned across Europe, as experts think that these hormones can harm human health.

Since hormones are not used in the production of artificial meat that will put health at risk, it is considered a safe product in this respect.

ANIMALS ARE NOT KILLED!

This process does not require the slaughter of animals. Since only their stem cells are used, it is sufficient to remove some of their tissues. For this reason, artificial meat production does not pose a threat to the extinction of animals.

WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS AND DAMAGES OF ARTIFICIAL MEAT?

Along with the advantages of artificial meat, there are various side effects. So what are the harms of artificial meat? Here is the answer:

HIGH RISK OF CANCER!

Stem cells used in the production of artificial meat may pave the way for cancer formation. A small amount of stem cells is used in laboratory meat production. A lot of meat is produced from these cells. This means the overgrowth of cells. It’s still a risky method. It can invite cancer.

CAN CAUSE UNEMPLOYMENT

Meat production is one of the sectors with the highest employment power. Many people make their living by farming. If artificial meat becomes widespread, there is a risk that they will be unemployed, as there will be no need for personnel working in meat factories.

HOW DELICIOUS CAN SOMETHING ARTIFICIAL WITH IT’S NAME!

Artificial meat does not contain bones and fat. Therefore, it may not taste much like real meat. Will it be able to adapt to people’s tastes? Time will show that.

HOW RELIABLE IS IT?

As the name suggests, artificial meat is not natural. In the laboratory, it is obtained as a result of various processes.

It is certain that many will approach it with prejudice and find it unhealthy. Will people be able to consume it with peace of mind? Or will they see it as one of the GMO foods and try to stay away? How and when will artificial meat be accepted? These are also questions to consider.

ARTIFICIAL MEAT IS ON SALE in 2025!

Today, studies on artificial meat production are carried out by nearly 100 companies in countries such as the Netherlands, Singapore, America and Israel. First of all, a high budget is needed to obtain this meat. Because the production of artificial meat is very costly. Therefore, it is not easy to reach the consumer.

The first artificial meat was produced in the Netherlands as of 2013. A hamburger prepared with artificial meat was offered for sale at a price of 330 thousand dollars.

Fortunately, modern technology has helped reduce costs. Currently, the budget required for the production of laboratory meat is approximately 2,500-3 thousand dollars. However, it is still difficult for the consumer to meet with artificial meat.

However, if production costs decrease, artificial meat will start to become widespread.

According to estimates, we have to wait a few more years for the introduction of artificial meat. Consumers will likely be able to start buying artificial meat by 2025.

On the other hand, it is thought that artificial meat will rapidly increase its market share. In 2030, approximately 10% of the world meat market will consist of artificial meat.

In addition, artificial meat production will enable people to meet different types of meat. For example, venison is one of them.

According to artificial meat researchers, the laboratory meat to be produced in the first stage will be hamburger patties and sausages. These will be achieved by pulling together pieces of muscle and pulling it like ground meat.

Then, it is aimed that tenderloin and steaks produced with artificial meat will take their place in the market.

Allegedly, artificial meat may have a healthier ingredient than the meat we know.

For example, extra omega-3 fatty acids can be added or supplements can be made for different nutrients, so as not to harm the taste of the meat.

But each of these are conjectures, and many details about artificial meat are not finalized.