A research conducted on the impact of meat substitutes states that consuming red meat could be more environmentally-friendly than switching over to vegetarianism.

Cranfield University that conducted the study stated that several meat substitutes were prepared using imported lentils, soy and chickpeas.

Preferring this kind of food would ensure that more land would come under cultivation overseas, which might hamper our forests.

Study also stated that meat substitutes for being processed need energy-intensive systems.

There have been earlier findings that environment is harmed if meat is consumed and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions meat-free diet should be preferred.

Authors from the study say, "A switch from beef and milk to highly refined livestock product analogues such as tofu could actually increase the quantity of arable land needed to supply the UK."

The UK's livestock industry could be jeopardized if people adopted vegetarian diet.

Vegetarian Society's Liz O'Neill said, "If you're aiming to reduce your environmental impact by going vegetarian then it's obviously not a good idea to rely on highly processed products."