Plant-based diets are becoming more popular in recent years, as people are becoming more aware of the benefits of eating more fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and legumes.
Plant-based diets can have positive effects on both personal health and the environment, as they can lower the risk of chronic diseases, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and land resources, and protect animal welfare.
Personal health benefits of plant-based diets.
According to several studies, plant-based diets can lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and other chronic diseases.
This is because plant-based foods are rich in fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals that can modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
Plant-based foods can also help with weight management, as they tend to be lower in calories, fat and protein than animal-based foods.
Environmental benefits of plant-based diets
Plant-based diets can also have positive impacts on the environment, as they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and land resources, and protect animal welfare.
According to a 2018 study by Poore and Nemecek, animal products account for 58% of food-related greenhouse gas emissions, but only 18% of calories and 37% of protein.
By contrast, plant-based foods account for 42% of food-related greenhouse gas emissions, but 82% of calories and 63% of protein.
Therefore, shifting to a more plant-based diet can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of food production.
Plant-based diets can also conserve water and land resources, as animal products require more water and land than plant products.
For example, producing one kilogram of beef requires about 15,000 liters of water and 28 square meters of land, while producing one kilogram of wheat requires about 1,800 liters of water and 1.5 square meters of land.
Therefore, shifting to a more plant-based diet can save water and land that can be used for other purposes.
Plant-based diets can also protect animal welfare, as they can reduce animal suffering and death caused by intensive farming practices.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 70 billion animals are slaughtered every year for human consumption.
Many of these animals are raised in crowded and unsanitary conditions that expose them to stress, disease and abuse.
Therefore, shifting to a more plant-based diet can spare animals from unnecessary harm and exploitation.
Conclusion
Plant-based diets are becoming more popular in recent years, as people are becoming more aware of the benefits of eating more fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and legumes.
Plant-based diets can have positive effects on both personal health and the environment, as they can lower the risk of chronic diseases, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and land resources, and protect animal welfare.
Therefore, adopting a more plant-based diet can be a win-win situation for both humans and the planet.
