Plant-Based Protein, a Reason to Let Go of Meat

With the world moving towards a more harmonious existence with the environment, it becomes imperative that our food habits must change too. Consumption of meat, processed foods, or year around foods are not just factors that harm our health but they contribute to creating an ecological imbalance, as reported by various studies. So what's gaining popularity amidst this fight for sustainable and better living are plant-based proteins. Call it a new food trend, this category of food is fast making its way into the culinary world, gaining more attention in the recent months.

With an abundance of plant based protein sources like chickpeas, soy, beans etc vegetarianism is rising steadily too. An alternative to dairy and animal protein, plant protein claim a lower carbon footprint on the environment. It's a category of protein that is obtained from plants and provides all the essential nine amino acids that the body requires.

Plant proteins are said to have a more positive impact on the body since they come without additional saturated fats and other harmful trans fats that could be dangerous in the long run. Plant foods as compared to animal foods are richer in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients that the body needs for its proper functioning. Thus, plant protein sources contain phytochemicals that fortify the body against illnesses.

In a bid to become more sensitive towards the environment, one such attempt has been made by Canada. These include certain additions and eliminations to renew the current food guidelines. With a decision to eliminate diary and meat products, it aims to promote a healthy regimen that ensures nutritious intake of food and to discard food that is rich in saturated fats, sodium and sugar-based beverages.

Some of the sources of plant-based proteins include soy, lentils, pulses, nuts, seeds, quinoa, ancient grains like millet, etc.