Plant-based food has become very trendy lately. People are now looking for ways to eat healthier and live better. Plant-based eating has become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years, with more people adopting a plant-based lifestyle for health, environmental, and ethical reasons.
According to a 2020 survey by The Good Food Institute, the plant-based food market in the US has grown by 29% in the past two years, reaching a value of $7 billion.
A 2020 survey by The Vegetarian Resource Group found that 9.7 million people in the US follow a vegetarian-based diet, and 1.4 million follow a vegan-based diet.
A 2020 survey by OnePoll found that 58% of Americans are eating more plant-based meals than they were a year ago, with health and environmental concerns being the top reasons for the shift.
A 2021 survey by The Hartman Group found that 70% of Americans are trying to eat more plant-based foods, with younger generations being the most likely to adopt a plant-based lifestyle.
A 2021 survey by Dataessential found that 26% of consumers are actively trying to reduce their meat consumption, with plant-based options becoming more widely available and appealing to a broader audience.
These statistics demonstrate the growing popularity of plant-based eating in the US and suggest that the trend is likely to continue in the coming years.
Many people are switching from meat-heavy diets to plant-based ones. Is this trend good or bad?
Start With Small Changes: It’s best to begin slowly when transitioning to a plant-based diet so that you can make sure that you’re able to maintain it. For instance, try replacing meat with beans or tofu instead of chicken or beef. Or swap out dairy products for almond milk or soy milk.
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The term 'plant-based' refers to foods that contain no animal flesh or dairy products. These include beans, nuts, seeds, grains, vegetables, fruits, tofu, tempeh, seitan, and other soy products.
While some studies show that a vegan diet is associated with lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and even Alzheimer's, others suggest that it might increase the risk of certain diseases such as kidney stones, osteoporosis, and gallstones.
What Beginners Should Know About Plant-Based Eating
Plant-based eating is a dietary lifestyle that emphasizes the consumption of whole, minimally processed foods from plant sources, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Here are some things that beginners should know about plant-based eating:
Vegan or not?: Plant-based does not necessarily mean vegan: While a vegan diet excludes all animal products, plant-based eating can include small amounts of animal products such as lean meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. It's important to choose high-quality animal products and focus on plant-based sources as the primary source of nutrition.
Nutrition: Plant-based diets can be nutritionally adequate: A well-planned plant-based diet can provide all the necessary nutrients for optimal health, including protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, it's important to pay attention to nutrient intake and ensure that the diet is balanced and varied.
Health Benefits: Plant-based diets can be beneficial for health: Studies have shown that plant-based diets may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. They may also promote healthy weight management and improve overall health and well-being.
Planning: Plant-based eating requires planning: It can be challenging to obtain all the necessary nutrients from a plant-based diet, and it requires careful planning and attention to ensure a balanced and varied intake. It's important to incorporate a variety of plant-based foods and consider supplementation if necessary.
A boring diet?: Plant-based eating can be enjoyable: Plant-based eating doesn't have to be bland or boring. There are endless possibilities for delicious and satisfying plant-based meals, and experimenting with new ingredients and recipes can be fun and rewarding.
How a Plant-Based Diet Can Boost Your Health
In recent years, plant-based diets have become increasingly popular among consumers looking to lose weight, eat healthier, and reduce their risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. But did you know that these diets also provide numerous health benefits beyond just weight loss? Here are some of the reasons why a plant-based diet may benefit your overall health.
1. Lower Blood Pressure
According to a study published in the journal Hypertension, individuals following a vegan diet experienced significant reductions in blood pressure compared to participants eating a standard American diet
2. Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Research conducted by Harvard University found that vegetarians tend to have significantly lower cholesterol levels than meat-eaters.
3. Prevent Heart Disease
Vegetarian diets are known to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease due to the high fiber content in plants
4. Improve Bone Density
Plant-based foods contain higher amounts of calcium and magnesium than animal products, both of which play key roles in bone development
5. Help Fight Cancer
Eating a vegetarian diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soybeans may protect against certain cancers, including breast cancer
6. Protect Against Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels caused by insulin resistance. According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition,11 adults who follow a plant-based diet have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Source & Credits
- https://www.mdanderson.org/prevention-screening/manage-your-risk/diet.html
- everydayhealth.com
- forksoverknives.com
- https://www.fithealth.cyou/2022/06/plant-based-diet.html
- Enjoy Low Carb Meals, Your Body And Mind Are Demanding
- More and More Women Are Using Green Smoothies To Boost Energy
- Vegetarian Resource Group Survey (2020): Website: https://www.vrg.org/
- NPD Group Study on Flexitarians (2019): Website: https://www.npd.com/
- Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Retail Sales (2020): Report Source: Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and The Good Food Institute (GFI) Website: https://plantbasedfoods.org/ and https://gfi.org/
- Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Retail Sales (2020): Report Source: Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and SPINS Website: https://plantbasedfoods.org/ and https://www.spins.com/
- Grubhub Report on Plant-Based Fast Food (2020): Website: https://www.grubhub.com/
