“Plant-based” is a broad term often used to describe variations of a vegetarian diet. It implies that a large portion of your diet consists of plant-based foods such grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. This can lower the risk of developing heartburn, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure by adopting a plant-based diet. For the environment, it might be quite beneficial as well. Meat and dairy process utilises more water and land, which increases the amount of greenhouse gas emissions which contributes to climate change.
Here are the top four plant-based foods that anyone can incorporate into their daily meal.
- Lentils: Lentils are very popular in Indian kitchens. These starchy proteins are filled with vitamins, minerals, good crabs and phytonutrients (natural compounds found in plants, vegetables and legumes). To top that, they are versatile and convenient to make with fabulous flavours. You can make so many different things from a bowl of soup to veggie burger patties, limitless options.
- Seeds and nuts: Nut and seed are a great source for you to gain all the healthy nutrients. A variety of nutrients all mixed in one. Different types of nuts have different nutritional value but all benefit in sustaining a healthy body. Nuts provide vitamins, magnesium, fibre & healthy fat to our body.Eating nuts on a regular basis may improve your health by reducing diabetes and heart disease risk, as well as cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Nuts in moderations can do wonders to your body and must be included in your daily diet.
- Quinoa: Though technically a seed, Quinoa is classified as a whole grain and is a good source of plant protein and fibre. One cup can provide about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fibre. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free and can be eaten safely if one has gluten intolerance.
- Chia seeds: Chia seeds are extremely rich in protein and other nutrients. They also have a good fibre content. 1 tablespoon has about 2 grams of protein. Chia seeds are a good substitute for animal-based products. These seeds make us feel full and that helps us in avoiding unhealthy stuff. Chia also helps in weight loss.
- Tofu: Tofu is dairy-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and vegan, so it is popular with people who have specialised diets. They are made from soybeans. The beans are soaked, cooked, and crushed into a liquid. With the help of a coagulant, the liquid thickens to become tofu. Often used as a meat substitute, tofu is high in protein but low in fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. Tofu is extremely versatile. It doesn't have a lot of flavour on its own, so it takes on the flavour of whatever you cook it with.