The gastronomic trend: “plant-based” eating

Plant-based eating is based on primarily consuming foods of plant origin, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while minimizing the intake of animal-derived products. This approach promotes health benefits, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations in food. Would you like to learn more about what plant-based eating entails? We have all the details in our mentta blog.

What is Plant-Based Eating?

Plant-based eating refers to a dietary approach that primarily focuses on foods of plant origin while excluding or greatly reducing the consumption of animal-derived foods. In this diet, most foods come from plant sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while the consumption of animal products like meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived products is minimized.

Some key features of plant-based eating include:

• Fruits and Vegetables: These constitute a significant portion of the diet and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Whole Grains: Foods like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-grain bread provide fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas, for example, are rich in protein, fiber, and important nutrients.
• Nuts and Seeds: These provide healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Dairy and Eggs: These are often consumed in smaller quantities or avoided altogether, depending on the variant of plant-based diet.
• Reduction of Processed Foods: Choosing unprocessed foods is encouraged, and the consumption of highly processed and additive-rich foods is minimized.

This form of eating has gained popularity for various reasons, including health concerns, sustainability, animal welfare, and environmental impact. Many people adopt a plant-based diet for its potential health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.

It’s important to note that a well-planned plant-based diet can provide all the essential nutrients needed for good health. However, ensuring a proper balance of nutrients, such as protein, vitamins B12 and D, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, is crucial to maintain a complete and balanced diet. It’s always advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.

Benefits of Plant-Based Eating

Plant-based eating, centered around foods of plant origin and reduced consumption of animal-derived foods, can offer a wide range of benefits for health, well-being, and the environment. Below are some of these benefits:

1. Reduction of Chronic Disease Risk:

• Heart Disease: A plant-based diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation.
• Type 2 Diabetes: A diet rich in plant foods can improve insulin sensitivity and help control blood glucose, thereby reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Cancer: Some studies suggest that a plant-based diet may be associated with a lower risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer.

2. Weight Control and Metabolic Health:

• A balanced plant-based diet can help maintain a healthy weight and improve metabolic health, including blood sugar regulation and insulin resistance.

3. Improved Digestive Health:

• A diet rich in fiber from plant foods can improve digestive system health, prevent constipation, and promote a healthy gut microbiota.

4. General Well-Being:

• Many people experience increased energy and overall well-being when adopting a well-planned, balanced plant-based diet, especially when incorporating a variety of nutritious foods.

5. Sustainability and Reduced Environmental Impact:

• Plant-based food production typically requires fewer natural resources (water, land, energy) and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to meat and other animal product production. Therefore, plant-based eating can contribute to environmental sustainability.

6. Animal Welfare:

• Choosing plant-based foods can contribute to reducing the demand for animal products and, as a result, decrease the animal suffering associated with the food industry.

It’s important to note that the key to successful plant-based eating is variety and proper planning to ensure that all essential nutrients necessary for optimal health are obtained. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes.

Here’s your plant-based recipe: Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 sliced zucchini
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup or honey (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Quinoa:

• Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any saponin residue.
• Place the quinoa in a pot with 2 cups of water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Let it sit with the lid on for a few minutes, then fluff it with a fork.

2. Roasting the Vegetables:

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
• Place the vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, and carrot) on a baking tray.
• Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.

3. Preparing the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, agave syrup (or honey), and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

4. Assembly:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, fresh spinach leaves, and chopped walnuts.
• Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to combine.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.