Plant-Based Power: Exploring The Benefits Of A Vegan Diet

Humans have survived for thousands of years, but their diet was not all about hunting and animal protein back then. There was also gathering and picking suitable fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, and seeds for survival and nourishment, as well as certain pharmacological effects. Since the human diet had not been about the source but the nourishment it gathered, this practice continued for centuries, tempered by time and society.

In the 21st century, people care equally about the source of food as well as the nourishment one gains from it. This has caused many to opt for a vegan diet, free from animal protein and dairy, due to ethical, environmental, medical, or personal reasons. But unlike popular notions, the vegan diet is not ‘boring’ or ‘tasteless’, it has lots of variety, color, taste, and nutrition.

And those who go vegan become enchanted by the plant-based power and rejuvenating effect of diet on their life and body, enabling them to do and be better. Here is a quick guide to plant-based power and the benefits of a vegan diet.

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A quick guide to plant-based power and its benefits

1. Debunking myths

Unlike the popular belief that animal proteins are the only decent protein sources for ensuring a strong, healthy body, plant foods provide all the essential amino acids that comprise full proteins. Foods like beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, edamame, soybean, quinoa, millet, and certain fruits and vegetables, are excellent sources of protein for humans who wish to experience plant-based power as these foods also provide the human body with lots of nourishment and some satiety. 

2. Ancient Indian grains and superfoods

Ancient whole Indian grains and superfoods like quinoa, millet, amaranth, barley, pumpkin seeds, and soy are wonderful, eco-friendly plant-protein choices. Not only do they provide the human body with boatloads of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, but they can also be prepared in a variety of complementary dishes to give a nutrition boost to your vegan kid or family. Try making mixed whole grain bowls at home with some sliced vegetables and dal, curry, or grilled tofu for a satisfying, tasty yet healthy vegan meal. 

3. Nourishment versus Taste

It is important to understand that going vegan is not necessarily choosing nourishment over taste. There are plenty of delicious snacks, appetizers, main meals, and desserts to make that are vegan, healthy, and tasty. But you must practice meal planning for that, else cooking on weeknights daily may tire you out after work, if not habituated. Try to keep ingredients prepared in advance, as most vegan dishes have little to moderate amounts of cooking time. And, since all that you make and eat at home is loaded with nutrients, a little extra drizzle of olive oil on your garlic bread will not hurt anyone, as long as you are within your daily calorie intake. 

4. Health Benefits

A vegan diet is bound to bring a bigger shift in energy than usual diet changes but comes bearing gifts for the body. Going vegan has certain health benefits, 

• Lowered risk of systemic inflammation and chronic diseases.
• Reduced BMI (Body mass index) and rates of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity.
• Increased absorption of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and consequent protection from free radicals (which are released in the human body after consumption of food, especially those rich in animal protein) and oxidative stress.
• Improved levels of energy, mental clarity, and faster recovery post-workout.
• Healthy aging and longevity are associated with a diet rich in phytonutrients. 
• Improves digestion and prevents constipation.

5. Envision new vegan dishes, instead of meat alternatives

It is important to envision new vegan dishes instead of going back to creating meat alternatives only. If you miss meat, have a craving, or simply have had a bad day, keep some meat alternative meal ideas handy, just in case. But on normal days, try to make different, unique, or creative vegan dishes at home. This will not only introduce you to new dishes, and improve your taste buds, but also create a healthy love in you for veganism and plant-based power, not out of necessity but choice. Make some nice, loaded baked potatoes, or smoky, vegan, stuffed mushrooms, or some jalapeno peppers with vegan queso sauce, for a nice vegan kick, while still reaping nutritional benefits. 

Conclusion

In the 21st century, with lifestyle and chronic diseases knocking on every alternate door, it is better to identify your health requirements and follow a healthy, balanced diet, be it vegan, vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or omnivorous diet. Going vegan is a lifestyle, one made with consideration of morals, ethics, taste, and determination. Therefore, it requires consistency in all those departments in order to shower you with its health and environmental benefits. If you can stay away from popular myths, focus on incorporating more ancient Indian grains and superfoods, and try to be creative with your daily meals, a vegan diet will seem like child’s play for most.