Plant-based food is the new face of healthy living

Consumers everywhere are redoubling their efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle around the idea of consuming plant-based food and beverages.

- Surruchi Joshhi

There has been growing efforts towards leading a healthy lifestyle, and the central idea revolves around “plant-based” food and beverages. The advocates championing plant-based food or who are also known as the proponents of veganism believe that they are promoting a culture that ensures healthy, peaceful, and active life. The plant-based diet includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans, which procure all the essential carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health. It also helps in lowering the risk of developing coronary heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and of course, lead to increased longevity.

Currently, the awareness towards plant-based food is spreading exponentially among educated and health-conscious people. With the abundance of plant-based choices now available, customers are increasingly looking for options that reflect vegan values. Results of various studies suggest that following a plant-based diet may reduce the risk of certain cancers and other organic diseases. Ice creams and protein bars made from plant-based ingredients are now common in supermarket shelves. Fast-food chains, including Dunkin’ Donuts and Burger King, have even started offering plant-based menu options. Some restaurants have also rebranded themselves as entirely plant-based after originally characterising their menus as a vegan.

Moreover, vegan gourmets have educated people regarding the environmental consequences of eating meat. A report from the World Resources Institute pointed to raising livestock as a significant source of carbon emissions and recommended reducing meat consumption as a way to combat climate change and stem deforestation. The environmental issue is a big one, and the plant-based phraseology works well when people think about it in a broader context.