The past years have seen a rapid rise of serious attention paid to plant-based diets globally, driven by a growing body of scientific evidence pointing to health benefits and, on the other hand, environmental sustainability.
It is not a push for a radical change in our diet but more encouragement to progressively and pleasantly integrate more plant-based meals into our daily lives.
Getting more greens on your plate can be rewarding, whether your motivations are health or environmental stewardship.
Adopting a plant-based diet is no more intimidating than realizing it doesn't have to mean living a strict vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Instead, it means being mainly plant-based, with a diet that includes many fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds and the least quantity of animal products.
It does not mean giving up your favourite cherished dishes but replacing most with the varied plant-based foods available. It is so flexible, it suits just about every taste, and it might even be fun and more sustainable in the process of eating.
Here are seven compelling benefits highlighting the benefits of integrating more plant-based foods into your daily life.
Though heart disease still ranks at the top of the list of the world's number one killer, a varied plant-based diet could be the factor that tips the scale.
Ingesting many plant-based foods will reduce cholesterol levels and heart function, as they naturally decrease saturated fats and increase essential fibre.
Many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds aid in making your heart healthy.
Maintaining a healthy weight on a plant-based diet is relatively easy because plants are low in caloric density but rich in fibre. These foods can keep you full over long periods without the extra calories that may predispose a person to overweight and obesity, which puts them at high risk of the onset of most non-communicable diseases.
A diet rich in plants helps foster the health of the digestive system by increasing fibre intake, which allows the bowels to move in regular patterns and feeds the gut microbiome with the nutrients necessary for a healthy growth environment.
It dramatically improves the digestive system in general and furthers the absorption of nutrients for good health.
A plant-based diet can lower the risk of acquiring chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Foods are typically nutrient-dense with phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation and are filled with antioxidants, and both are crucial for transforming the course of chronic diseases.
Meat production has been widely recognized to entail environmental impacts, such as extensive land, water, and energy use, plus high greenhouse gas emissions.
Conversely, plant-based eating decreases ecological footprints and contributes to the depreciation of sustainable options that may help combat climate change.
There are also monetary incentives to eating a plant-based diet. Foods like beans, lentils, and seasonal vegetables are often cheaper than meat, not only at the point of purchase but often with long-term savings in health care since overall health is better.
In terms of animal ethics, plant-based diets contribute to the welfare of animals. With the reduction of meat consumption, the demand for industrial animal production has been known to use inhumane conditions.
Going for more plant-based meals helps with more ethical food production systems.
Transitioning to more plant-based meals doesn't have to be confusing. Simple steps can have profound effects, such as participating in Meatless Mondays or trading dairy milk for an almond or oat alternative.
It's a way to explore plant-based cuisine while making a difference in your health and on the planet. And for those ready to venture further, many resources, from cookbooks to blogs, cooking classes, and more, can take you deep inside this flavorful world of plant-based eating.
Start today and be amazed at the power of the plants to change your diet!
