There are many factors contributing to the growth of plant protein as the main source of protein in the diet. Environmental concerns such as the decreasing the carbon footprint, sustainability, and a rise in food allergies and intolerances have added to this desire for individuals to try more plant based foods.
Even though the trend is going towards more vegetarian and vegan products, according to the Kerry Primary Research, USA, 2016)--taste and texture still drove the reason of why individuals choose a plant based product.
What is the Carbon Footprint?
Basically, it is the the amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment because of a particular activity. Consuming foods that require more transportation to get to their destination and eating more a meat based diet raise the carbon footprint. Eating more fruits and vegetables, planting a tree and driving a more fuel efficient vehicle reduces this footprint.
Plant based lifestyles are definitely more environmentally sustainable because less natural resources are used to grow these foods and there less damage to the environment.
Studies do show vegetarians do tend to have a lower body weight, cholesterol and blood pressure levels. As a result, this lowers their risk of heart disease and stroke. Because of the nutrients in plant based foods, it is associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers.
However, when moving towards a plant based lifestyle, we need to consider making it nutritionally balanced. All nutrients need to be considered. It is important to remember is that a plant-based lifestyle is one of many tools needed when improving health.
Cassidy Reeser RDN, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist, wrote this GREAT article on vegan protein sources. Cassidy walks you through great vegan protein sources and provides you with some really YUMMY recipes! The Red Lentil Coconut Curry and the Spicy jalapeño Hummus are a couple of delicious recipes I have tried. ENJOY!
Courtesy of Cassidy Reeser RDN, LD
Jonnalagadda, Satya and Matthews, Orlaigh "Nutritional Benefits of Plant Proteins Taking Root with Consumers. " Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute "https://khni.kerry.com/news/blog/nutritional-benefits-of-plant-proteins-taking-root-with-consumers/ Accessed April 26, 2020
Reeser, Cassidy. "The Best Vegan Protein Sources." CozyPeachKitchen https://cozypeachkitchen.com/best-vegan-protein-sources/. Accessed April 25, 2020
Ranganathan, Janet, Vennard, Daniel et al. Apr. 2016, World Resources Institute "Shifting Diets for a Sustainable Food Future Creating a Sustainable Food Future, Installment Eleven." https://www.wri.org/publication/shifting-diets. Accessed April 20, 2020
Takepart "What is a Carbon Footprint." http://www.takepart.com/flashcards/what-is-a-carbon-footprint/index.html. Accessed April 25, 2020
Commentaires