What is the plant-based diet?

A plant-based diet primarily focuses on consuming whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, and tempeh. This diet reduces or eliminates animal products and processed foods, emphasizing nutrient-dense, fiber-rich, and minimally processed plant ingredients.

Key Aspects:

• Inclusivity: It allows flexibility based on individual health conditions, socioeconomic status, and personal preferences, aiming to increase plant food intake and reduce meat consumption 1.
• Health Benefits: Plant-based diets can support overall health by providing essential nutrients and reducing risks of chronic diseases. They can help in preventing and managing conditions like dementia by emphasizing gut health and reducing inflammation 2.
• Nutritional Balance: Proper planning is crucial to ensure adequate intake of calories and key nutrients, especially proteins. Calorically dense plant foods like beans and sweet potatoes can replace meat to meet nutritional needs 1.
• Variety and Adaptability: Many global cuisines fit well within a plant-based framework, such as Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. The diet can range from predominantly plant-based to fully exclusive, depending on individual goals and circumstances 3.
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    1

    Plant-Based Foundations

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    2

    Plant-Based Diets

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    3

    Plant Based Diets

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For more detailed information, you can refer to episodes and experts like Whitney English, The Ellen Fisher Podcast, and Gemma Newman, MD.