4. Chronic Disease Risk Consuming a predominantly plant-based diet is associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. This is due to the phytochemicals and antioxidants present in plant foods having a demonstrated protective effect against cellular damage and inflammation. 5 . Culinary Creativit y: A lot of people I work with visibly wince when I say that vegetables should make up about half of your plate at most mealtimes. But it doesn’t need to be boring! I know full well the benefits of eating lots of vegetables, but you won’t find me sitting down to a plate of plain steamed veg any time soon. Including more plants in your diet can often encourage people to step out of a culinary rut and start experimenting with new ingredients, spices, flavourings, sauces, and cooking techniques. Encouraging more variety in our cooking is great news for our gut microbiome and all of the aspects of well-being that go along with it. Cons: 1. Plant-based doesn’t necessarily mean more healthy The focus on plant-based foods doesn't guarantee a healthy diet. Food manufacturers have hopped onto the plant-based trend and many of the foods that are marketed as healthy plant-based options are ultra-high processed foods, high in sugar, and full of additives and stabilizers that won’t do your gut health many favours. 2. Nutrient deficiencies Depending on your age, health history, and individual requirements, cutting out or heavily reducing your consumption of animal products may compromise your intake of certain essential nutrients such as iron, iodine, vitamin B12, and omega 3’s. It’s not an insurmountable problem, but possibly worth speaking to a nutritionist about if you’re planning to go significantly more plant-based.
In recent years, the spotlight on health and environmental concerns has sparked a surge of interest in plant-based diets. This dietary approach has garnered attention from health experts, environmentalists, and individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle. So should we all go plant-based? First things first, what does a plant-based diet mean? Whilst the phrase has been adopted by the vegan community, plant-based means a diet predominantly based around plant foods but including some animal products. There is no doubt that this dietary pattern has its merits for both our health and the health of the planet, but what are the pros and cons, and how far do we need to go to reap the benefits? Pros 1 . Nutrient-Rich Plant Powerhouses There is no doubt that a diet rich in plants can provide a wealth of essential nutrients. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds deliver an array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber that promote almost every aspect of well-being and gut health. 2. Heart Healthy Numerous studies have linked plant-based diets to improved cardiovascular health. The emphasis on foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats like those found in olive oil and nuts can help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart-related issues. That, combined with reducing the consumption of saturated fats found in meat, contributes to these heart- protective benefits. 3. Weight Management A plant-based diet can play a role in weight management and obesity prevention. The high fiber content of whole grains, nuts, pulses, and legumes can help us feel fuller for longer, reducing the need for snacking between meals. Plant proteins also tend to have a lower energy density than their animal counterparts, meaning we can eat more of them without consuming more calories than our bodies need, which helps us stay in an energy balance.
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