Plant-based is a hot topic and all the rage these days. But is going plant-based just a fad or is it for real? Does it have any benefits and why should we care?
Plant-Based Foods
Any food that is not meat, poultry, or fish is considered plant-based, and that includes fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, beans, oils, and spices.1 When you eat a plant-based diet it doesn’t necessarily mean you are vegetarian or vegan; you can still eat meat or dairy, you just emphasize plant-based foods and eat meat and dairy in moderation.1 Of course, vegan and vegetarian are the most common plant-based diets.
One of the main reasons people choose a plant-based diet is because it has so many health benefits. According to a recent review, eating a plant-based diet helps support health on many levels including heart health, immunity, blood sugar, and weight management.2 Research also demonstrates that a plant-based diet helps support brain function, as well as a healthy microbiome and the gut-brain axis.3 Maybe it’s because there’s several vitamins and minerals, as well as lots of fiber, in plant-based foods.
In addition to the health benefits, many people choose to eat a plant-based diet because they are concerned about animal welfare and reducing their environmental footprint.4 Plant-based eating has become so popular that there was a whopping 600% increase in the number of people eating vegan diets from 2014 to 2018.4
However, though eating plant-based can be healthy for you and great for the environment, it’s hard to get all of the nutrients you need from plants alone, especially if you are vegan. There are common nutrient deficiencies in vegan diets, including a lack of zinc. A comprehensive multivitamin supplement, such as Vegan Daily Boost may help fill in the gaps such as vitamin D, B12, and essential fatty acids. And it’s a plant-based supplement, so if you’re abstaining from animal foods for ethical reasons or the environment, it’s completely safe to take.
Plant-Based Supplements
To support and enhance your plant-based lifestyle, thinking about nutrients is really important. Choosing a great plant-based supplement like a multivitamin can help support your health from many different angles.
One common nutrient deficiency when you’re eating plant-based is lacking in omega-3 fatty acids.5 These are typically found in seafood. Omega-3s play an important role in cardiovascular health, so if you’re eating plant-based and want to support your heart health, consider a plant-based supplement version of omega-3s.
Plant-Based Omegas is a vegan, plant-based supplement version of omega-3s. It features EPA and DHA, as well as ALA versions of omega-3. It’s sourced from algae and flaxseed, making it a great option for any plant-based individuals.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References
- McManus KD. What is a plant-based diet and why should you try it? Harvard Health Publishing. 2024;Mar 28. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-a-plant-based-diet-and-why-should-you-try-it-2018092614760
- Landry MJ, Ward CP. Health benefits of a plant-based dietary pattern and implementation in healthcare and clinical practice. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2024;18(5). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15598276241237766
- Medawar E, Huhn S, Villringer A, White AV. The effects of plant-based diets on the body and the brain: a systematic review. Translational Psychiatry. 2019;9. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-019-0552-0
- Clem J. A look at plant-based diets. Missouri Medicine. 2021;118(3):233-238. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8210981/
- Luszczki E, Boakye F, Zielinska M, et al. Vegan diet: nutritional components, implementation, and effects on adults’ health. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2023;10. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1294497/full
