There is a growing appetite for plant-based diets. More and more people, nearly two-thirds of the world’s consumers say meatless diets are healthier, according to a recent survey.
About half of those surveyed in the UAE and Saudi Arabia believe plant-based diets are not only useful for weight loss, but also beneficial for overall health.
Going on a green diet is a choice. Here are a few important things you need to know before you decide.
What is a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet or a plant-forward eating pattern focuses on the consumption of food derived from plants. This type of diet not only includes fruits and vegetables but also involves nuts, seeds, whole grains, oils, beans, and legumes.
Adapting a green diet does not necessarily mean you are going vegetarian or becoming vegan. Instead, you choose more of your food from plant sources.
What are the benefits of a plant-based diet?
Switching to a plant-forward eating pattern can help you reap many benefits, including the following:
Stronger immune system
Plants contain essential nutrients that you will not get from other food types. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you can get from eating plants keep your cells healthy.
Thus, your immune system can function at its best. A healthy immune system is critical in fighting against diseases.
Reduced inflammation
The essential nutrients in plants can help resolve inflammation in your body. The same antioxidants that boost your immune system can also neutralize toxins from pollution, bacteria, processed food, and more.
Weight management
Adapting a plant-based diet eliminates many foods that may lead to weight gain. Along with regular exercise, it can help you lose weight.
Higher fiber intake
Consuming more plant-based products improves your gut health. In turn, you can better absorb the nutrients from the food you eat.
Fiber can lower cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar, and promote regular bowel movement.
Reduced risk for diseases
A green diet can also help lower the risk for severe health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.
Read: Emerging F&B trends in the Middle East
What are the downsides of plant-based diets?
Switching to a plant-forward eating pattern can pose some challenges, such as:
Perishable goods
Most fresh produce can be perishable, so you should buy just enough to minimize waste. Before purchasing items for your plant-based diet, you should be mindful of a food’s shelf life.
Inadequate nutrition intake
If you don’t choose the right food, you might not get all vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. However, you can take supplements to avoid this problem.
Need for proper planning
If you want to meet your daily nutrient requirements successfully, you will have to spend time planning your meals and snacks.
For some, this can be time-consuming and tedious. Thankfully, more and more restaurants and supermarkets are offering plant-based menus and ready-meals as options.
What foods should you avoid when you’re on a plant-based diet?
While a plant-based diet doesn’t necessarily ban meat products, there are foods you should avoid. These include processed or sugary foods, refined white carbohydrates, processed vegetarian or vegan alternatives that contain plenty of salt or sugar, excess salt, and deep-fried food.
Is a green diet really healthy?
In general, yes. A plant-based diet is considered dense in nutrients and packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Adopting this type of diet can help you meet all your nutritional needs.
How do you get enough protein with plant-based diets?
Protein does not always mean meat. You can eat great plant-based protein sources, such as quinoa, seeds, nut butter, tofu, lentils, and beans.
Moreover, a plant-based diet doesn’t ban eggs, dairy, poultry, and fish. They just are not the focused on meals with a plant-forward eating pattern.
How do you start a green diet?
Starting a plant-based diet may seem overwhelming initially, but you should take it one day at a time. You can begin by eating various fruits and vegetables with all your meals.
The key is having two-thirds of your meal be made up of plants; no more than a third of your meal should be animal products.
Final Thoughts
Adapting a plant-based diet can help you reap many health benefits. However, you need to plan your meals carefully. If you want to find out the best diet for you, remember to always consult a professional nutritionist or dietician.
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