Ebru Akdağ, Chair of the Plant-Based Foods Association Board of Directors, highlighted the health benefits of a diet that limits animal-based foods such as meat, dairy, and eggs, and emphasizes foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, and nuts.
Today, healthy eating trends are changing rapidly. Plant-based diets are among the most popular. Noting that this type of diet is increasingly preferred due to its contributions to our health and its positive effects on the environment, Ebru Akdağ, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Plant-Based Foods Association (BİTKİDEN), shared the following information on the subject:
FLEXITARIANS ARE ON THE RISE
Plant-based foods have been important nutrients consumed since ancient times. Traditional products such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan, which began to be produced centuries ago, have been consumed as alternatives to animal protein due to their high protein content.
Subsequently, the first plant-based burgers appeared on store shelves in the 1960s and 1970s for vegans and those seeking a vegetarian diet. Today, new-generation plant-based food alternatives, thanks to advances in science and technology, do not compromise on the taste, smell, or texture of animal-based foods.
These alternatives also appeal to flexitarians, whose numbers are growing every day. This consumer group aims to adopt a more balanced and sustainable diet by consciously reducing meat consumption and turning to plant-based proteins, without completely abandoning animal products, due to concerns about health, the environment, and animal welfare.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Plant-based nutrition is a dietary model in which plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are consumed as the main elements. Animal products may be included in limited amounts in this diet. However, the main goal is to create a balanced diet where plant-based foods are at the forefront.
Plant-based nutrition is actually one of the cornerstones of healthy living. This is because plant-based foods provide our bodies with essential nutrients while also protecting us from disease. Their richness in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants strengthens the immune system and slows down aging. Therefore, we can list its health benefits as follows:
LOWERS CHOLESTEROL
A plant-based diet reduces cholesterol levels and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease thanks to its low saturated fat and high fiber content.
BALANCES BLOOD SUGAR
A plant-based diet helps regulate blood sugar and prevents insulin resistance, reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
REDUCES CANCER RISK
Studies show that a plant-based diet also reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon and breast cancer.
RELIEVES CONSTIPATION
Fiber-rich foods regulate bowel movements and create a healthy gut flora. This also strengthens our immune system.
PREVENTS OBESITY
This type of diet also has a major advantage in terms of weight management. Plant-based foods are generally low in calories but high in fiber. This allows you to feel full while consuming fewer calories, stay in shape, and prevent obesity.
IT ALSO IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE
Plant-based nutrition not only contributes to our health but also to our quality of life. It makes us feel more energetic, lighter, and fitter. Furthermore, it offers incredible benefits for both our bodies and the planet in the long term.
BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING!
It is necessary to take precautions against fraudulent products in plant-based products as well. First of all, it is very important to obtain these products from a reliable brand or manufacturer. For example, products that claim to be organic must be purchased from reliable manufacturers. It is also important to avoid products sold openly or with damaged packaging. For fruits and vegetables, avoiding products produced out of season and choosing those that are in season can reduce the risk of pesticide residues and hormones.
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