All about what a plant-based diet is, why it’s better for your health, the environment | Health
Veganism is not a trend but a lifestyle choice that many people are adopting for the better Health and animal welfare. One vegan a completely plant-based diet, avoiding animal products like meat, fish, eggs and dairy products while according to the National Family Health Survey of India, 75% of Indians do not vegetarian.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Shreya Goel, Dietitian at Continental Greenbird, shared: “Animal products are often thought to be high in protein. However, this is not true because many plant foods are high in protein, such as chickpeas (1 cup provides 14.5 g of protein), lentils, beans, tofu, hemp seeds, etc. Non-vegetarian diets are not necessarily bad but also not ideal as most people don’t know that meat, especially ‘manufactured meat’, is bad for the environment.”
“Meat consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions such as methane, CO2 and nitrous oxide,” she explains. Climate change, such as global warming, is exacerbated by these gases. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the meat and dairy industry accounts for about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, meat production requires large amounts of water; a whopping four times more than the production of other forms of protein, such as lentils. Meat consumption is a major cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss. Meat consumption also leads to deforestation and destruction of natural habitats. The industrial meat industry is contributing to the extinction of thousands of species, many of which have yet to be discovered.”
Health experts assert, these are having a huge impact on the environment, but when it comes to the impact of meat consumption on human health, it is no different. Shreya Goel further explains: “While meat is indeed a great source of protein, a diet high in red and processed meat, high-fat dairy foods, and processed foods leads to diseases such as diabetes. , cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, the good news is that a plant-based diet can be a solution to meeting one’s protein needs.”
She emphasizes, “Products made with peas and chickpeas provide more fiber and are rich in protein. Chickpeas have a low glycemic index that helps control blood sugar, helps lower cholesterol, is low in saturated fat and calories, and is an excellent source of calcium and magnesium. Switching to an all-vegetable diet gives your body a chance to absorb all the nutrients it needs to function optimally. The environment isn’t the only thing that benefits as consumers switch to plant-based meats, your body also benefits immensely.”
Studies show that a plant-based diet boosts our immune system by increasing the levels of vitamins and minerals in our system. Shreya Goel suggests: “Those who crave the taste of meat can opt for plant-based meat brands. They look like meat but are completely plant-based. So they can enjoy the taste and experience of meat without compromising the environment, animals or their health. So make responsible choices and choose plant-based foods to improve your health and protect animals and the planet at large.”
