A plant-based diet comprises of exclusively plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains and ecludes dairy products, meat and eggs. Eating a variety of plant-based foods provides calcium, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. These foods are low in calories and saturated fats, thereby lowering the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, heart diseases and obesity.
The Five Food Groups
Vegetables – Peppers, corn, lettuce, spinach, peas, Kale, collards are some of the vegetables that can be eaten by those on a strict plant-based diet.
Fruits – Any type of fruits such as banana, apple, strawberry, citrus fruits and others give all the nutrients required for a healthy body.
Whole Grains – Grains, cereals, such as quinoa, brown rice, oats, whole wheat, popcorn provide essential nutrients.
Tubers – Starchy root vegetables such as sweet potato, yam, cassava, potatoes etc. comprise of plant-based food.
Legumes – Lentils, pulses and beans of all kind form the fifth food group.
There are plenty of other foods such as nuts, seeds, avocado, tofu etc. that you can enjoy while on a plant-based diet.
Benefits of Plant-based Diet
• Prevention of Diseases – Eating plant-based foods can prevent, halt or even reverse chronic diseases to a great extent. Research has also linked plant-based diet to improved liver function, healthier kidneys and reduced arthritis.
• Lesser Environmental Footprints – Plant-based diet puts lesser stress on the environment.
• Easy Weight Management – People who eat a strict plant-based diet are comparitively leaner than those who don’t. People can easily lose weight without having to count calories all the time.
• Prevent Type 2 Diabetes – Plant-based diets are low on saturated fats and high in fibre, that helps the body to regulate sugar level and absorb essential nutrients. Besides it lowers the risk of being overweight which is a primary risk factor for type 2 Diabetes.
Final Thoughts –
Plant-based foods are not only healthy, but they are also sustainable and quite affordable. Transitioning to a plant-based diet is easier than ever, with a variety of simple and delicious recipes like quinoa bowls and lentil stews to choose from. Not only will this shift help prevent chronic diseases and aid in weight management, but it will also reduce your environmental footprint. So, switch to veggies and save yourself a lot of trouble caused by eating the wrong kinds of foods!
