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Changing your diet is a big commitment. So before choosing to embark on a plant-based lifestyle, here are some things you need to know.
Has someone ever told you that going plant-based or vegan is the answer to your ailments? Are you toying with the idea in order to be “healthier”? Or maybe you’re curious because your friends are doing it, too?
No matter what reason you may have, a change in diet is a big decision—especially one that requires you to give up meat (or in some cases, even animal byproducts). That’s why before taking the plunge, here are some points to consider. Though do take note that we’ll tackle only the health concerns of going plant-based.
Available Plant-based Food Options
With the growing trend of plant-based diets, more products have become readily available. This not only caters to veteran plant-based and vegans but also to meat-eaters who are transitioning to a plant-based diet. Yes, going plant-based no longer means just eating vegetables.
However, what do these meat-free alternatives have to offer? And are they really healthy?
Generally, most plant-based meats use genetically modified (GMO) soy, wheat, or gluten as a base. These are mixed with other ingredients to mimic the texture and taste of animal products like meat to appeal to former meat eaters or for those who are changing their diet.
What Goes in Plant-based Products
According to a study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, soy can have estrogenic properties that affect people differently—depending on their hormone levels. In fact, a study by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center showed that for some types of breast cancer, avoiding the consumption of soy and soy-based products is recommended. On the other hand, wheat or gluten is definitely a no-no for people with intolerances or celiac disease. Thing is, most Asians have been found to be intolerant to wheat and gluten.
Plus, those plant-based meats that are pea protein-based mostly use GMO peas that have previously tested high in glyphosate residues—just like conventional soy and wheat. And these glyphosates, based on research, can cause the growth of breast cancer cells. And in some cases, even raise the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Not to mention, both types of plant-based meats use highly refined, highly processed oils, and artificial flavorings.
Yes, artificial flavorings. Even plant-based pantry staples like vegan butter use artificial butter flavoring to mimic the taste of the real thing. In an effort to taste more like meat, plant-based food products have resorted to using artificial ingredients to help “enhance” the taste of vegan food.
These enhancements make you wonder whether this helps with your overall health. Some may argue that one bad ingredient “won’t hurt”. However, when consumed constantly—given the desire to shift to a fully plant-based diet—that one ingredient can accumulate in the body and cause harm.
Defining Whole Food, Processed, and Highly Processed Food
On the other hand, going clean plant-based using whole foods is a different story. Defined as “foods that are as close to their natural form as possible“, whole foods simply refer to fruits, vegetables, and products that are processed as little as possible. That way, their natural nutrients are kept intact.
The key to keeping any diet healthy is to focus on whole foods instead of highly processed options. If you plan on shifting to a vegan diet, make sure to choose clean, plant-based food. These are the kinds of food without artificial colors, artificial flavors, and highly refined oils. Plus, going plant-based is great for your health. But, as with any diet, it’s only great if you opt for the options that aren’t junk.
Whatever diet you choose, the junk in, junk out rule applies. Whether you choose to go Keto, Intermittent Fasting (IF), organic, vegan, or plant-based, quality always matters. Slapping a trendy monicker or name to it does not make any diet foolproof.
And with whatever changes you do in your life and diet, make sure you opt for options with cleaner ingredients. Arm yourself with the knowledge of what to take and what to avoid and make reading the label a daily habit.
Photos from Unsplash.com
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