PEOPLE have become more receptive towards plant-based diets in recent years.
This eating style is packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals, is free of cholesterol, and is much lower in calories and saturated fat.
It also reduces the risk of heart disease, certain types of cancer and diabetes.
Sunway Medical Centre consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist, Dr Jasminder Kaur says plant-based diets also keep people feeling full for longer periods of time and increase energy use when resting, which helps with weight management and combating obesity.
While adopting a plant-based diet is a great step for adults looking to improve their health and well-being, it's important to remember that simply becoming vegetarian will not cure ailments or make a person healthy overnight.
"To see proper improvements, it is essential to plan well, ideally with a nutritionist that understands your current bill of health," says Dr Jasminder.
A healthy approach to plant-based dieting means including a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients and protein substitutes to replace meat products.
Additionally, plant-based dieting needs to be part of an overall healthy lifestyle, so one needs to stay active and get enough rest.
Doing a complete overhaul of one's diet can be intimidating and requires hard work and discipline.
Dr Jasminder cautions against the latest "diet trends" on social media being touted as quick health fixes.
She says incorporating plant-based foods as a main component of our daily diet should be something we invest in for our own good.
For those just starting this journey, a gradual or partial removal of meat products from their meals is a more suitable option.
"You should go at a pace that is beneficial to you and your lifestyle to reap the best results," she explains.
PLANT-BASED DIETS
LACTO-VEGETARIAN
Excludes meat, fish, poultry and eggs, as well as foods that contain them, but allows the consumption of dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and butter.
OVO-VEGETARIAN
Excludes meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products, but allows the consumption of eggs.
LACTO-OVO VEGETARIAN
Excludes meat, fish and poultry, but allows the consumption of dairy products and eggs.
PESCATARIAN
This diet gets its main source of protein from fish, with meat, poultry, dairy and eggs excluded.
VEGAN
This is the strictest plant-based diet, where meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products, along with any foods that contain these products, are excluded.
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