Singaporeans are ditching meat more frequently due to environmental, health or ethical considerations; many products such as Quorn and local plant-based brand TiNDLE are now readily available as alternatives. More restaurants also cater towards this growing trend.

A plant-based diet incorporates vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts but omits meat, fish and dairy products. Furthermore, its aim is to limit your consumption of processed fats and added sugars.

Nutritional Benefits

Plant-based diets may seem to be trending among keto, raw food and flexitarian followers these days, yet this approach to eating has actually been around for quite some time, merging the principles of vegetarianism and veganism into one diet plan. A plant-based diet generally comprises whole foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes and nuts and is low in fat while rich in fibre, vitamins minerals antioxidants and phytonutrients – qualities which make for an optimal eating regimen.

Plant-based diets offer many advantages on an individual, environmental and economic level. For instance, switching to one can help lessen Singapore’s dependence on imported food by providing us with essential nutrients.

Plant-based eating helps reduce food waste and contributes to sustainable agriculture, not to mention you can find delicious plant-based dishes at your regular hawker centers and coffee shops thanks to an ever-increasing number of restaurants and apps catering specifically to this market. But before switching, ensure you consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian first so as to get all of the essential vitamins and nutrients that may be lacking from conventional diets.

Weight Loss

Plant-based diets have recently grown increasingly popular for good reasons. They can promote weight loss while decreasing the risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and certain cancers. Furthermore, plant-based eating helps lower carbon emissions – one of the major contributors to climate change – as well as conserving water and land resources because raising cattle requires significant resources such as land, food and water.

Dieting on a budget is much simpler thanks to plant-based foods available at hawker centers and coffee shops, though excessive consumption of starchy vegetables such as potatoes or corn could lead to weight gain if deep-fried or heavily salted.

A plant-based diet emphasizes whole fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes while excluding meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and processed oils. This differs from vegetarianism which means abstaining from any food containing animal products altogether.

Heart Health

Plant-based diets might seem like the latest fad, following in the footsteps of keto, raw food and paleo diets; but they have actually been around for some time. Plant-based diets combine vegetarianism and veganism as well as an appreciation of all things plants into one harmonious concept.

An entire-food, plant-based diet can help protect, arrest and even reverse heart disease. Animal products contain high amounts of saturated fat which raises cholesterol levels and causes the build-up of wax-like plaque in arteries over time.

Plant-based foods tend to be lower in sodium content and less likely to contain trans fats that raise blood pressure, while their consumption has also been associated with decreased risks for Type 2 diabetes and lower rates of Ischemic Heart Disease mortality rates.

Singapore provides plenty of healthy plant-based eating options. In addition to plant-based eateries like Love Handle (famous for serving the Impossible Double Cheeseburger), vegan and vegetarian cuisine can be found at regular hawker centers and coffee shops – just remember to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables along with lightly stir fried or non-deep fried dishes for optimal nutrition.

Bone Health

As Singaporeans become more health conscious, many are opting for plant-based diets. This trend can be seen through an increase in restaurants and food products offering vegan-based options; eggless “meat”, dairy-free paneer cheese and meat-free burgers being just some examples of delicious yet nutritious plant-based options available to consumers in Singapore.

Plant-based diets include vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes and nuts which contain fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – in turn helping to lower saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium intake, thus decreasing risk factors associated with obesity, diabetes, heart disease and gout.

Plant-based diets may be particularly helpful for those living with chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes. Over time, this type of diet can help prevent complications related to diabetes such as nerve damage, kidney disease and high blood pressure – plus it’s great for the environment! The US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee suggests all Americans follow such diets.