Here’s Why You Should Consider Changing to a Plant-Based Diet

Our bodies don’t store protein, unlike how it does with other macronutrients, so it must come from our diets. Proteins consist of amino acids, and our bodies cannot produce nine of these so-called “essential” amino acids. For a protein source to be complete, it must contain all nine kinds to build and repair muscles. As such, health-conscious consumers like those who need to maintain muscle mass or those in special diets like paleo and keto rely on protein as the solution.

But the source of protein matters too, and plant protein seems to be the most promising among the pack.  If you haven’t tried including plant-based protein in your diet yet, this article will change your mind.

Plant Vs. Animal Protein

Mainstream health enthusiasts are actively searching for plant-based protein as a healthy alternative, and it’s clear why. In many aspects, plant protein over shines animal protein. The leading reason is the presence of harmful compounds that leads to cardiovascular diseases accompanying most animal-based protein. In general, there are larger traces of saturated fat and dangerous amounts of cholesterol found in those.

Aside from that, plant-based foods are not lacking in nutrients and seem to have it all. Foods like buckwheat, quinoa are prime examples of food with loaded nutritional benefits and complete with protein. For most people, just the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, or whole grains, can provide the required intake for an optimal body. This diet route is better than the risk of eating meat products that may contain antibiotics and hormone supplements with carcinogens in them.

Plant Tastes Better

Many consumers also prefer the variety of plant-based products that offer protein. New ways of indulging in these products are popping up in every corner. Protein powder can transform into meals and refreshing shakes and is available for consumption instantly because of the ease of preparation. As a bonus, probiotics and enzymes enhance the health benefits already present.

You can try out as many flavours as you want, changing them as frequently as they suit you. This routine makes sticking to your strict diet not as dreadful as you fear it would be.

Plant-Based Protein Come with More Benefits

Of course, plant-based protein has unique features that tell it apart from its animal counterpart; that is, the presence of fibre. Plants typically contain fibre, promoting frictionless digestion, a healthy presence of good bacteria, and fewer bowel complications.

On top of that, consuming plant products is also, in most cases, environment-friendly. The smaller land use, less water consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emission inflict less damage to the environment than protein cultivated from animal sources.

The “Incomplete” Plant-Based Diet is a Myth

Contrary to the long-held belief that you cannot do without meat in your diet, well, that’s just a no-brainer. Dieticians and nutrition professionals recognize a plant-based diet as a good and complete source of protein. The myth negating this misleads by not acknowledging that there is a massive gap in the proportion of available protein in plants compared to animal ones. It is also noteworthy that smaller amounts of methionine, lysine, and leucine are present in plants than other amino acids.

As the trend gains more popularity, health enthusiasts will view a plant-based diet as a better alternative for protein. If you consider this a healthier option, start doing more research to dispel myths and biases. Prioritize your health above everything else, and start making better choices.