Ever wondered what the benefits of a plant-based diet are? Well, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we take a close look at some of the wonderful benefits of a plant-based diet, from health benefits to environmental benefits and more.
At Dairy-Free Down Under, we offer Australia’s best dairy-free and vegan cheeses, sauces, and other products. Check out our range of plant-based goodies, made right here in Australia.
Research shows that 75% of western and 90% of Asian cultures feel the impacts of dairy intolerance, removing many much-loved cheese and dairy products from their lives. This is why we are passionate about creating premium plant-based alternatives.
Recognised as a global leader in the plant-based food scene, we hope to bring the joy of food back to those living a dairy-free, plant-based, vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Feeling peckish? Find a stockist near you.
What are the benefits of being vegan?
The benefits of being vegan generally fall under three main categories, which also happen to be the three main reasons that most people make the switch in the first place. They are:
- Health benefits
- Benefits to the environment
- Ethical benefits
Now with all that out the way, let’s dive in.
1. Those that eat a plant-based diet have a lower risk of heart disease
A 2019 study found that diets higher in plant foods were associated with a decrease in heart disease morbidity and overall mortality in the general population. On top of this, they found the more you adhered to a healthy plant-based diet, the stronger this association was. Not bad!
2. It can help you lose weight
Adopting a plant-based diet is associated with significant weight loss – without any calorie or portion restrictions. How can this be?
Well, this is because animal products are generally higher in fat than plant-based products. Fat has roughly nine calories per gram, while carbs and protein have four calories per gram, meaning foods high in fat are more calorific. So when you eat a plant-based diet, you can eat a higher volume of food but consume fewer calories, helping with satiation. Nice one.
3. Plants are more nutrient-dense
Due to the information mentioned above, plants are far less calorie-dense than animal products. This means that plants are also more nutrient-dense per calorie than animal products.
In other words, plant-based diets have the awesome benefit of increasing the total amount of nutrients available to you while maintaining a healthy caloric intake. For example, adding one cup of broccoli to a meal provides:
- 135% of your daily vitamin C intake (that’s right, it has more vitamin C than orange juice)
- 116% of your daily vitamin K
- 14% of your folate
- 4% of your calcium,
- 4% of your iron,
And loads more (actually loads more). But the kicker? It gives you all this with just over 30 calories. That’s basically free nutrition! All hail lord broccoli!
4. You get to try lots of new foods
Nowadays, there are so many awesome plant-based products out that you’ll hardly miss the animal products – we promise!
There are so many delicious options, from vegan mozzarella-style slices to cashew parmesan, dairy-free mayo to vegan cheesy meatballs, vegan sour cream to cashew cream cheese snack packs – you name it.
So if you want to try Australia’s best dairy-free and plant-based cheeses and other products, find a Dairy-Free Down Under stockist near you today. We also provide heaps of fabulous plant-based recipes for every occasion! Going plant-based has never been easier.
5. Plant-based diets can reduce inflammation
A 2020 meta-analysis found that a plant-based diet was associated with lower levels of CRP – an indicator of inflammation – than those following an omnivorous or even vegetarian diet.
Because of this, some experts are now recommending a plant-based diet to those with arthritis. And it’s not just about the health benefits…
6. A plant-based diet can help reduce carbon emissions
That’s right, going vegan means you can reduce your carbon emissions by about half! That’s because animal agriculture is the second-largest cause of human-made greenhouse gas emissions, after fossil fuel use. And regarding the climate, carbon emissions are only one part of the problem for animal agriculture.
7. A plant-based diet reduces agricultural land use and deforestation
The leading cause of deforestation in Australia is land clearing for livestock. That is not up for debate; it’s a fact. In addition, beef production is actually the no.1 cause of deforestation worldwide.
Some estimates indicate that adopting a plant-based diet can reduce our use of agricultural land by 75%. What does this mean? Well, suppose everyone was to adopt a plant-based diet. In that case, we could re-wild much of the land currently used for animal agriculture, allowing native animals and plants to spread back into their natural habitat, increasing biodiversity. What more could you want?
8. Plant-based diets are great for those with intolerances
Two of the most common food intolerances in humans come from lactose and casein, both of which are found in dairy products. You won’t need to worry about those on a plant-based diet! On top of that, there are so many awesome plant-based alternatives now that going dairy-free is easy, meaning you’ll feel better while still eating delicious food.
Delicious Dairy-Free Cheeses & Plant-Based Products
Dairy-Free Down Under is a proud family-owned and operated business.
With over 30 years of manufacturing experience in fresh food, in 2018, the company started a mission to deliver dairy-free and plant-based products that are affordable, taste delicious, and are available globally.
The extensive range currently consists of our famous dairy-free cheeses, snack packs, condiments, and mouth-watering dips. All the products are plant-based, dairy-free, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, GMO-free, palm-oil free and Australian-made.
Our quest is to deliver leading taste and texture without compromising the product’s nutritional value. New products are consistently added to our ever-growing range, and there is no sign of slowing down with innovation at the top of our minds.
Dairy-Free Down Under creates nutritious food for the whole family, regardless of your dietary requirements.
Featured on channel 7, channel 9 and The Great Day Out (Channel 7). With articles in Food and Drink magazine, Australian Retail Magazine, the Gold Coast Bulletin and many more.
