Are you one of the many people who do not want to fully commit to a vegetarian or vegan based diet but still want to include more plant-based foods? This flexitarian way of eating is not only good for your health but also good for the planet.
Swapping out a meat meal for a meat free alternative is good for you and the planet. Ruminant animals produce greenhouse gases which are damaging the ozone layer and are a significant factor in global warming. In addition to this the resources to feed and grow the animal to a large enough animal to eat is huge and eating vegetarian removes a lot of this waste and resources.
Another reason to swap a meal or two in your week from animal to plant based protein is over 500g of red meat a week and all processed meats increase your risk of certain cancers like colorectal cancer.
Vegetarian based meals like Plantein are a great option if you want to swap a meat-based protein for a plant-based. Plantein is an Australian owned and made company and has made four delicious choices using quality ingredients.
Ingredients included in the Plantein meals include soy, beans, and peas. These foods are linked to improved health of your colon as they are rich is fibre. Fibre is essential for a healthy gut function and more than 70% of Australian adults and more than 50% of Australian children are not meeting their recommended fibre requirements each day.
If you are worried that your muscles will not receive quality protein you need not fear. Soy is a complete protein which means it includes all the essential amino acids or building blocks your body needs to make a protein.
The Plantein Burgers, Plantein Kiev’s and Plantein Schnitzels are a good source of protein with one burger pattie or Kiev giving you 16.4g of protein per serve and a schnitzel providing 16.9g of protein. If you enjoy a meal of four nuggets this will provide you with 11g of protein or 16.5g in 6 nuggets. Plantein meals all contain less than 15g of total fat per 100g and all have less than 15g of added sugar.
Ingredients present in the Plantein meals like soy, beetroot powder, peas and beans are also a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals which can cause damage and disease to your body. As a plant-based food soy is cholesterol free and low in saturated fat.
The phytoestrogens in soy may help reduce your risk of certain cancers like breast cancer. Soy is a source of calcium which is a mineral needed for normal muscle contractions as well as to keep your teeth and bones strong. Soy can promote a healthy heart by improving the elasticity in your artery walls as well as promoting a healthy blood pressure.
Both tofu and beetroot are source of iron. Iron is needed to transport oxygen around your body and plays a role in keeping your immune system working at its best. Beetroot is a source of vitamin C which adds the support that your body will receive from enjoying a Plantein meal.
Beetroot is a good source of folate which is needed to make and repair DNA. Also, manganese which allows carbohydrates, fats, and protein to be metabolised. Also, potassium which supports a healthy blood pressure. Beetroot supports the health of your heart another way through nitrates which help your arteries to relax and promotes a healthy blood pressure.
Take home message: There is so much to love about following a flexitarian style of eating. Enjoying more plant-based meals like Plantein can add more variety and interest to your meals. On top of this improve your health and the health of the planet at the same time.
