Diet is one of the most crucial factors for a healthy life. With the rise in low-quality processed products in the market, people are facing many difficulties in choosing the ideal products. On top of that, different animal rights movements are also influencing people to opt for plant-based foods. So, let’s take a look at some of the different aspects of plant-based diets for nutrition and wellness.
Plant Based Foods
Plant based diets are derived mainly from plants—fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses. Moreover, these may or may not comprise eggs as a primary protein source. As in most cases, a person derives the majority of nutrients from a large plant composition. But is this type of diet effective in maintaining health and wellness? It’s a tricky question that depends on a lot of factors like quantity, quality and purity.
Rise Of Plant Diets
A large number of people are choosing plants over animals for several ethical reasons. However, when it comes to nutrition, plant diets are not on par with diets composed of animals and seafood. However, some cultures and societies have developed a balanced diet entirely from plant products.
Such diets have plenty of health benefits, like controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. Plant diets also address problems like climate change and environmental concerns associated with other food resources.
- Health and Wellness
- Different Environmental Concerns
- Some Ethical Considerations Like Harvesting And Factory Farming
Benefits of plant-based diets on health
There are many speculations and concerns regarding the benefits of plant diets. However, some of the major studies come to a conclusion that such diets are suitable for an individual. So, below are some of the benefits associated with plant-based diets.
- Improves Immune System
- Reducing Inflammation
- May Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Major Criticism of Plant based Diets
Plant based foods are not free from criticism as there are a lot of questions regarding such diets. One of the significant issues is the nutritional value of plant products. Additionally, there is a lot of inappropriate information about these diets—misleading the general public. Lastly, the use of preservatives, insecticides, and pesticides results in the termination of a lot of natural resources.
- Nutritional value
- Misinformation about products
- Taste and texture differences
- High price and low accessibility
Future of Plant Based Foods
Natural and agricultural science is trying its best to curate good-quality seeds. However, there are still many challenges in the process. Therefore, it’s best to try everything available to an individual and then choose the ideal for their needs.
In future, people might see the following types of diets that are synthesised in labs:
- Lab-grown meat
- Hybrid products
- Urban Gardening
- Synthetic Plants
Final Thoughts On Plant Based Foods
Ethical reasons and environmental concerns drive the rise of plant-based diets. These diets, primarily derived from plants like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses, offer health benefits like controlling high blood pressure and diabetes and address environmental issues like climate change.
However, there are criticisms, including nutritional value, misleading information, and high prices. In the future, plant-based diets may include lab-grown meat, hybrid products, and synthetic plants.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What are some examples of plant-based foods?
Some examples of plant based diets are:
- Vegetables like kale, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower.
- Starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash.
- Whole grains like brown rice, rolled oats, farro, quinoa, brown rice pasta, and barley.
- Healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and unsweetened coconut
What are 30 plant-based foods?
30 foods from plants are:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Apricots
- Sweet Potatoes
- Peaches
- Melons
- Eggplant
- Lemons
- Lettuce
- Green Beans
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Brussels
- Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Spinach
- Corn
- Swiss Chard
- Celery
- Beets
- Onions
- Cauliflower
- Cherries
- Bananas
- Mushrooms
- Parsnips
Can I eat eggs on a plant-based diet?
Yes, eggs can be a part of plant diets, but they should not be the centre of it.
Is rice a plant-based food?
Yes, rice is a significant part of a plant based diet.
