In recent years, the requirement of protein in the daily diet has gained significant popularity. Using alternative forms of protein has burgeoned and more people are fueling themselves with healthier supplements, i.e., plant-based protein diets such as soy products like tofu or soybeans. People are increasingly moving away from conventional animal-based proteins and are opting for plant-based alternatives.
When compared to an animal-based protein diet, these plant-based alternatives are best consumed in either whole-food or minimally processed form. Vegetables, fruits, legumes (beans), nuts, seeds, tubers (potatoes, for example) and whole grains make up most of the plant-based diet. The term “animal-based” refers to a diet high in animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs, and so on.
The existence of plant-based proteins has created a platform to start cutting the amount of meat on your plate in half and replace it with them instead. Provided below are some of the benefits:
Plant-based proteins are complete proteins
It’s a common myth that plant protein is inferior to animal protein. To ensure an adequate amount of protein intake in one’s daily diet, it isn’t necessary to consume meat. If one doesn’t want to give up on animal-based protein completely, maybe consider switching to a “flexitarian” diet, i.e., eating more plant-based foods but also include animal proteins in a minimal amount. Being on a plant-based diet is more of an eating philosophy than a specific diet. Instead of keeping track of calories or hitting daily macronutrient targets, it just boils down to consuming plant-based foods.
Plant-based proteins are more sustainable
Climate change and depleting natural resources make it all the more important than ever to consider the planet’s well-being when deciding what to eat. It’s not all doom and gloom, and shifting to a healthy, plant-based diet is an important part of the answer. Plant protein is more resource-effective and efficient to produce than animal protein, making it a more sustainable choice. Foods such as beans, peas, and lentils are some examples of low-resource crops.
Plant-based proteins keep the body healthy
Vitamins, minerals, fibres, antioxidants, and other compounds are abundantly rich in plant-derived proteins. A large number of healthy fats can also be included in certain ways. Plant proteins such as beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains include a certain amount of healthy fat and are high in nutrients. Plant proteins also help in balancing the body weight and keep it in control. An effective way to begin weight-loss attempts is to try a diet that excludes added fats and animal products. Adding more plants to your diet is a great way to achieve your ideal weight.
Embracing plant-based protein diets can also help in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index and reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Owing to its advantages, doctors and nutritionists prescribe a plant-based diet to most of their patients.
Plant-based proteins are budget-friendly
Plant-based protein products are extremely cost-effective. Beans, lentils, and peas are some of the most cost-effective and great sources of protein from the plant. Other high-protein alternatives that might cost a little more (nuts and seeds, for example) can be of a good nutritious value. They also include healthy fats and other vital nutrients, allowing you to get more bang for your buck.
Switching to plant-based protein alternatives is beneficial to one’s health and replaces some (or all) animal protein in one’s diet. Plant-based protein has several advantages, including higher fibre intake, a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer, and weight loss benefits. This changing image represents a shift in how we think about nutrition: whatever the diet choice is, one should know which food to avoid and which food to seek out.
The writer is Director, Veggie Champ.
