Plant Based Eating & it's forms - The Future of Nutrition or a Passing Trend?

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Plant-based diets have gained immense popularity in the last ten years. Sports stars, celebrities, influencers and normal people are opting vegan diet more then ever. They are promoting no animal products. Vegan diet is gaining popularity due to growing concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health. But, is this change in diet a long-term health revolution or only a modern trend that will fade away after some time? In this blog we will discuss all the factors.

The Future of Nutrition or a Passing Trend?

What is a Plant-Based Diet?

An eating pattern that emphasizes meals mostly produced from plants is known as a plant-based diet. This covers a broad range of foods, including:

Fruits (e.g., banana, peach, grapes )

Plant-based oils (e.g., almond oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil )

Vegetables (e.g., cucumber, potato, broccoli)

Whole grains (e.g., quinoa, oats, brown rice)

Legumes (e.g., beans, lentils, chickpeas)

Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds)

A plant-based diet can be more adaptable than a vegan diet, which skips all animal products.

Types of Plant-Based Diets

Vegan Diet

It excludes all animal products, including meats, eggs.

Vegetarian Diet

It Includes dairy and eggs but excludes meat, fish, and poultry.

Flexitarian Diet

It is a flexible eating pattern that is mostly plant-based foods but is allows occasional consumption of meat, fish, dairy, and eggs

Pescatarian Diet

It is plant-focused diet but includes fish and seafood while excluding other meats.

The Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diets

Improved Heart Health

A plant-based diet improves heart health by reducing the chances of conditions such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation. Foods rich in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains control cholesterol, while potassium-rich plants regulates blood pressure in our body which reduces the risk of hypertension.

Better Weight Management

Plant based diets are best to manage weight because they are naturally lower in calories and higher in fiber. This makes it easier to manage or lose weight without the need for doing calorie deficit. Recent researches have clearly shown that people who intake vegan diet have lower BMI then those who consume meat based diets.

Enhanced Gut Health

Plant based diets are very rich in fibre. Fibre is basically an important nutrient to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. It helps with better digestion, better immunity.

Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact is the primary cause of people moving towards plant based eating. The production of animal products utilizes more water, land, and energy than plant-based foods.

Challenges of Plant-Based Eating

Plant based eating have some challenges which includes

Nutrient Deficiencies

Plant based diets lacks certain nutrients which are commonly found in animal products. These nutrients includes vitamin B12, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium. These nutrients are extremely important for body. Without them you cannot maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Protein Concerns

Common it is said that plant based diets lack sufficient protein. But it is possible to fulfill protein needs through plant based diets via legumes, nuts, seeds, and tofu.

Is Plant-Based Eating Here to Stay?

While many people think that plant based eating is just a trend and it will fade away with time but the evidence suggests it is becoming a shift rather then a trend. Food companies, restaurants are investing heavily in plant based products like plant based meats, dairy free cheeses, and alternative milks which shows the consumer demand. So, we can conclude that plant based diet is here to stay.