Exploring different plant based meat products for a healthy lifestyle
If you are planning to become a Vegan, then be assured, you are at the right place to explore some amazing meat alternatives that you have never heard of before.
It is not easy to choose a vegan diet, especially if you are already on a regular meat diet. The reason being, no one wants to sacrifice their favorite foods, but the moment you decide on vegan food over meat, you are halfway to start the journey towards saving this environment.
To help you out, we have got some plant-based alternatives that you must include in your diet without sacrificing the taste you want. It just takes experimenting with food, spices, and flavors to create a tasty vegan cuisine.
Before exploring the meal alternatives, let us understand more about the requirements of such substitutes and how they can benefit your body and the environment at large.
Benefits of Plant Based Meat alternatives
The following are the benefits of consuming meat alternatives:
Environmental benefits of plant based meat
Consuming less meat or more plant-based meat is fundamentally environment friendly and also improves the overall health of a human being.
Animal agriculture is devastating to the planet because these are the vastest greenhouse contributors, destruction of wildlife, increase animal sufferings, deforestation, and the list will go on and on.
Due to our heavy consumption and uncontrolled pollution of the ocean ecosystem, the fishes are depleting from oceans as well. A recent study predicts the oceans might be fishless as early as by 2048.
Thus, eating meatless food leads us towards a productive and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Health benefits of plant based meat
1. Improves overall health
The protein present in vegan diets reduces the chances of chronic diseases. With plant-based food, you do not have to keep track of protein and only count your calories.
Undoubtedly, you must understand that vegan foods are nutritious and have plenty of protein and fiber. Once you start having them, your food cravings will be satisfied, and you won’t miss a single vegan diet thereafter.
2. Prevent many dangerous diseases
You would be surprised to know that plant-based meat alternatives prevent a lot of really harmful diseases. Some of them are:
- Heart Stroke
- Heart Diseases
- Cancers
- Obesity and Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes (Type-2)
3. Change in gene expression
The scientists revealed that adopting a green lifestyle can change gene expression and optimizes to repair the already damaged DNA. There can also be a decrease in the expression of cancer genes in men with a low risk of prostate cancer.
4. Adding nutritional value on human’s microbiome
The human body is the home of trillions of microorganisms that are collectively known as the Microbiome. These microbes play a crucial role in improving our health by training our immune system, enhancing digestion that helps to control chronic diseases.
Plant-based foods are beneficial to make the intestine healthy as the fiber in the plants helps the growth of friendly bacteria for the gut. Research explains that people who consume meat often face digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation.
What are Meat Alternatives for Vegans?
The meat alternatives are the types of food that have a similar taste, texture, and appearance as the meat, but in reality, it does not contain any meat.
We have listed the 5 best meat alternatives that you must include in your diet to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle.
1. TOFU
Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk, and after applying the pressure, it develops in solid white blocks. TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) is also a by-product of soy. These are purely plant-based and contain high proteins like amino acids, which are essential for our body.
2. JACKFRUIT
The consistency of Jackfruit is similar to the meat piece, and technically it appears the same.
Jackfruit is a type of fruit that is slightly sweet, and when cooked as the cuisine, it merges with the taste of salt and remains in a soft texture offering the best flavor.
You can include jackfruit in your burgers, and sandwiches or barbeque dining at your home.
3. MUSHROOM
Mushrooms belong to the family of Fungus and are a well-known best meat alternative with an umami taste and meaty texture.
To be specific, you must try the Portobello Mushrooms or Cremini Mushrooms with the crisp and soft texture while you barbeque it or choose the air fryer options.
Often, mushrooms are used by gym trainers in order to intake protein in a sufficient amount. Once you include this in your Vegan diet, you are not going for any other alternatives, for sure.
4. LEGUMES AND LENTILS
Legumes are the family of plants, and lentils are the subcategory of it. Both provide a good amount of amino acids fulfilling the requirement of a nutritional meal.
Legumes are the plant that has seeds as a fruit. Mostly they are dried and consumed as pulses, which are highly rich in protein.
Since the very beginning of Veganism, Lentils have been preferred in meatless diets. Lentils are available in different colors such as brown, red, green, and black. You can make lentil balls or include them as patties inside the sandwiches.
5. VEGETABLES: EGGPLANT & CAULIFLOWER
In vegetables, the two most prominent names are Eggplant and Cauliflower because they have a versatile consistency in parallel to other veggies.
You can saute these veggies with your favorite spices and add salt accordingly to enjoy your brunch with them.
Editor’s Note
With these alternative options, you can easily find the one which tastes the best. And, as you very well understand, food is like a creative art that you have to make out of your curiosity and taste. When you keep on having meatless alternatives in your diet, you tend to invent the tastier, healthier, and best version of vegan cuisine.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The writer believes awareness is the solution for change. Her comprehension in the field of ecology and environmental studies is impactful. With her knowledge, she had written much content for academic websites and well-known publishing platforms. Here, at BleedGreen, she urges us to share her wisdom of words to bring cognizant in the society for our green resources.
Very nice topic to choose food recipes, specially for non-vegetarian. May society at large will like.
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