“Plant-Based” EXPLAINED
MEANING OR MARKETING?
"Plant-based" is a popular marketing term to describe foods that are sourced from plants.
However, it is important to differentiate between an EXCLUSIVE plant-based diet and an INCLUSIVE one.
EXCLUSIVE vs. INCLUSIVE
An exclusive plant-based diet is completely vegan.
In contrast, an inclusive plant-based diet could contain meat and animal products, but plants make up the majority of the plate.
FOCUS ON QUALITY
The term also says nothing of quality.
Oreos, gummy worms, and soy-protein burgers are plant-based, but that does not mean they are healthy!
But a plant-based diet loaded with colorful fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and spices can be incredibly nourishing!
TAKEAWAY: Be wary of flashy marketing and prioritize food without a label.
Are you a health educator that wants to use this content with your clients? Customize the handout template in less time than it would take to even think about hiring a graphic designer.
References
Menzel, J., Jabakhanji, A., Biemann, R., Mai, K., Abraham, K., & Weikert, C. (2020). Systematic review and meta-analysis of the associations of vegan and vegetarian diets with inflammatory biomarkers. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1–11. https://doi-org.uws.idm.oclc.org/10.1038/s41598-020-78426-8
Oussalah, A., Levy, J., Berthezène, C., Alpers, D. H., & Guéant, J.-L. (2020). Health outcomes associated with vegetarian diets: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Clinical Nutrition, 39(11), 3283–3307. https://doi-org.uws.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2020.02.037
Pollakova, D., Andreadi, A., Pacifici, F., Della-Morte, D., Lauro, D., & Tubili, C. (2021). The Impact of Vegan Diet in the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 13(6), 2123. https://doi-org.uws.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/nu13062123
Paleo and Vegan: Pluses and Minuses to Watch. Harvard Health Publishing. Retreived from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vegan-and-paleo-pluses-and-minuses-to-watch-202108022560