In a showdown between plant-based and animal-based foods, who do you think would win? It is all about whether we choose a plant-based diet.
When people consider switching to a plant-based diet, one of the most common questions is:
“Can plants really provide all the nutrients I need?” In fact, there’s no nutrient in animal-based foods that plants can’t provide. As long as the diet is well-balanced, plant-based foods meet the body’s nutritional needs and even perform better in some aspects.
Gists for healthy diets
Many diseases (such as cancer or tumors) are related to the excessive intake of certain nutrients, especially protein and fat. Too much of these nutrients can actually provide nourishment for cancer or tumor cells to grow. Therefore, the key to nutrition is not “more,” but “just right.”
Many people worry that plant-based diets cannot provide enough protein, but the truth is the opposite.
Legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are all excellent sources of high-quality protein.
What more people are concerned about is the absorption of vitamin B12. Some say that vitamin B12 is the only nutrient that doesn’t come directly from plants. In fact, vitamin B12 can be found in certain mushrooms, some fruits (like apples and bananas), and seaweed (like nori).
Iron is not exclusive to red meat either. The iron found in plant-based foods is equally important and can be better absorbed when paired with foods rich in vitamin C. Spinach, pumpkin seeds, and quinoa are great sources of iron.
The benefits of plant-based eating
Plant-based foods not only provide all the nutrients your body needs but also contain valuable components that animal-based foods cannot offer, such as antioxidants and complex carbohydrates. Antioxidants help fight free radicals and slow down aging. Complex carbohydrates provide steady, long-lasting energy.
So, why wait? A plant-based diet offers a healthier, nutrient-rich lifestyle.
