Plant-based diets are gaining popularity among the masses now that health experts are promoting them in a big way. The availability of different plant-based nutritional products on the shelf and recipes on social media has also increased the tendency of people towards switching to plant-based diets.
Even then, there are many myths related to a vegetarian and vegan diet that stop people from switching entirely to eating veggies.
Plant-based diets do not provide sufficient proteins
Proteins provide energy to the body and also build tissues. That is why they are one of the most important nutrients and highly essential for the overall health of the body. There have been one of the biggest myths about plant-based diets that they do not provide adequate protein as per requirement.
However, it is not true. The daily protein requirement for every adult is 0.8 grams per kg of body weight. This much protein can be easily obtained from lentils, nuts, whole grains, rice, beans, and seeds.
Plant-based diets cause muscle loss
Muscle loss due to aging or weight loss is a very big issue. It is believed that a plant-based diet can lead to muscle loss. But the truth is quite different. The basic concept is that a proper workout routine and protein intake lead to muscle gain.
Just as there are non-vegetarian protein powders that can make you gain muscles, similarly there are multiple plant-based protein options that also can help you gain muscles.
Diets based on plants offer low nutrients
Another myth that is believed strongly is that plant-based diets do not offer an adequate amount of nutrients that a body requires.
However, most of the nutrients that are required by the body including Vitamin K, Vitamin C-rich fruits like mangoes and pineapples, and fiber-rich whole grains fulfill all the necessary nutritional requirements easily.
Not many alternatives
Most people hesitate to switch to diets based on plants because they think that they will have to give up many tasty alternatives to eating as a plant diet does not offer many options.
However, with the availability of a large number of fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and vegetables to choose from, you will never feel short of any alternatives.
Very Costly
Again that is a big misconception! Plant-based diets are comparatively less costly than non-vegetarian options.
Moreover, they can be stored and prepared easily and you do not require long recipes to prepare good dishes from them.