Do you ever wonder why cancer-related problems are increasing every year? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, more than 10 million lose their lives to cancer, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. Studies suggest that around one-third of these deaths are due to 5 leading behavioral and dietary risks, including high body mass index, low fruit, plant and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.
The data compiled by the Global Cancer Observatory suggest that every year 1 million people become victim s of these deadly diseases in the Southeast Asia region. In 2018, more than 125,000 people
It is a proven fact that a plant-based diet which consists of legumes, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits, reduces cancer rates and is packed with nutrition. That is because plants produce a phytochemical which protects cells from getting damaged. They contain a lot of fiber, which keeps our blood sugar levels stable as well as lowers our cholesterol and manages the bowel. Something meat cannot do.
Eating a lot of meat subtracts the number of calories that are provided to us by vegetables. Not only do we eat fewer plant foods in this way, but we lose beneficial calories as well.
Advantages of Plant-Based Diet
Cutting out meat from your diet and replacing it with vegetables can make a huge difference in our overall health. A plant-based diet helps restrict proteins, fats, and our calorie intake that help us as:
- It increases your lifespan
- Your skin feels healthier
- Reduces the risk of getting diabetes
- Reduces obesity
- It is more economical
- Improves metabolism
- Reduces depression
- Reduces the risk of cataract development
With this diet, you do not even need to feel hungry at all. Not only is it nourishing but, it also meets all your dietary needs.
How to Substitute Meat with Plant-Based Diet?
By virtue of a lot of emphasis on the health risks caused by a meat-based diet, meat alternatives are gaining popularity globally. Consumers have started raising questions on the effects of meat on our health, animals, and the planet.
Here’s what you can do to use meat alternatives in your diet:
- Using meat-free alternatives
- Making it a goal you are committed to
- By planning your meals in advance
- Being creative with your cuisines
- By tracking your progress
- By enjoying it and teaching others
Best Plant-Bases Substitutes for Your Diet
The following are the plant-based alternatives to replace the protein provided to us by red meat:
- Seitan
- Tofu
- Lentils
- Green Peas
- Oatmeal
- Soy milk
- Chia Seeds
A Plant-Based Diet Helps Protect the Environment
Experts in the field of biodiversity have stated that the best way for us to protect our planet is by eating less meat. Doing so would be a wise decision, and a form of decency as these animals must undergo various forms of abuse.
The livestock sector in which these animals are, raised generates a lot of greenhouse gas that causes more harm to our planet. Millions of square kilometers of forests need to clear up for grazing pastures. According to FAO, this takes up about 30% of the land surface in the entire world.
Studies have shown that having a plant-based diet lifestyle not only reduces more than two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions but can also prevent about 8 million deaths from occurring worldwide by 2050.
Therefore, it is essential to shift towards a plant-based diet to combat not only climate change but water, air, and soil pollution, ocean dead zones, and many other issues.
Conclusion
Even with all conducted researches and evidence in front of us, we still choose to be ignorant. We know the benefits a plant-based diet holds and its link with vitality, longevity yet, we avoid it.
This shift in our diet pattern would not only benefit us but our planet as well. Do we need another reason not to choose it? Or is this unconcerned behavior of ours waiting for matters to become unrestorable?
What needs to be changed is our attitude as:
“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”
