The Point of Primarily Plant-Based

For so many people around the world, meat is a sizeable part of their meals, including steaks, pork chops, fried chicken, bacon or roast of beef. However, some cultures do not have language for the words “beef or pork roast” let alone an understanding of how or why people would eat such huge cuts of meat. There will always be cultural differences about food and pretty much everything else. It makes the world all the more interesting.

Making meat the dominant part of a meal is popular in many cultures although some use only small portions of this protein source in recipes that are primarily vegetable-based. It is a fact that meat has been a sought-after food source throughout the human history of agricultural and huntergatherer societies.1

Decades of recent research has shown the negative effects of eating red or processed meats, which can increase the risk of health issues that include obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Even so, meat consumption is on the rise worldwide, having negative effects on the health of the environment as well.1

Nevertheless, anyone who enjoys and savors the taste of burgers, barbecued meats, steaks, etc. may wonder what’s the point of primarily plant-based eating. It is important to know that primarily plant-based does not mean you become vegetarian or vegan and can’t eat meat. It means your meals are mostly plantsourced (e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as beans, nuts and seeds). Why is this a good choice?

Plants provide essential nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, minerals, protein and vitamins), antioxidants, chlorophyll, enzymes and phytonutrients, all of which provide cellular health that extends through your entire body. A primarily plant-based diet:

• promotes gut health

• fights inflammation

• maintains healthy weight

• increases your fiber intake

• supports your immune system

So in the end, the point of primarily plant-based is good health, and that’s a really good point!