In a world where health-conscious choices and environmental consciousness intersect, adopting a green diet has emerged as a powerful way to nourish both your body and the planet. This lifestyle change involves choosing foods that are not only beneficial to your health, but also sustainable for the planet.
Dr. Mukesh Kwatra, founder of Smiling Tree, said in an interview with HT Lifestyle, “The goal of Green Eating is to reduce the amount of food produced on the planet while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and the ethical treatment of workers.'' and minimizing the negative impacts of consumption. This includes a wide range of principles and practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation and the well-being of current and future generations.”
Nutritious vegetables and health benefits
It's no secret that one of the main benefits of adopting a green, plant-based diet is the abundance of nutrient-dense foods it contains. Dr. Mukesh Kwatra says, “Green vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli, and Swiss chard are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. It is known to strengthen the system, improve digestion, and contribute to optimal cardiovascular function. A plant-based diet can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and high blood pressure. Numerous studies have shown that it is associated with lower risk. It is also low in calorie density and rich in fiber, which supports weight management and reduces the risk of obesity.”
Plant-based protein for heart and whole body health
Dr. Mukesh Kwatra says, “Eating green often means incorporating plant-based protein into your diet. Legumes, nuts, seeds, and tofu are great sources of animal-based protein. It's an excellent source of protein that can be substituted or supplemented. Not only does plant-based protein support muscle health, it also tends to be lower in saturated fat, which can promote heart health and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Masu.”
Regarding other benefits of a plant-based diet, he highlighted:
- Environmental sustainability: Adopting a green diet has a positive impact on the environment beyond personal health benefits. Livestock farming, a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, requires vast amounts of land, water and food resources. A shift to plant-based diets will reduce demand for livestock, leading to reduced deforestation, water pollution and carbon emissions.
- Sustainable sourcing: Choose foods that are produced using environmentally sustainable methods, such as organic farming, agroecology, and permaculture. This includes supporting local farmers, choosing products with certifications such as USDA Organic, and looking for food grown or raised in ways that minimize harm to the environment. It will be.
- Reduce carbon footprint: Choosing local, seasonal produce is another way to make your diet more environmentally friendly. Transporting food over long distances has a significant impact on carbon emissions. By choosing locally grown fruits and vegetables, you support local agriculture and help reduce the carbon footprint of food transportation.
- Minimize food waste: Eating green also includes being mindful of food waste. Plan your meals, use leftovers creatively, and compost organic waste to minimize the environmental impact of wasted food. By reducing food waste, you contribute to a more sustainable and efficient food production system, ultimately benefiting the environment.
- Sustainable seafood selection: For those who include seafood in their diet, making sustainable choices is extremely important. Overfishing and destructive fishing methods are reducing fish populations and damaging marine ecosystems. By choosing sustainably sourced seafood, you support responsible fishing practices and maintain the health of our oceans.
- Water saving: The production of animal-based foods typically requires more water compared to plant-based alternatives. Adopting an environmentally friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains can help conserve water. Additionally, being mindful of water usage in daily life, such as reducing meat consumption, helps conserve this precious resource.
- Conservation of biodiversity: Prefer food that is produced in a way that promotes biodiversity and minimizes the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides that can negatively impact ecosystems.
In the context of non-vegetarians, Dr. Mukesh Kwatra says: The environmental friendliness of non-vegetarian foods is influenced by a variety of factors, so there is an opportunity to make more environmentally friendly choices within this category. Minimize the environmental impact of their production and consumption by prioritizing sustainably sourced, locally produced, and ethically grown non-vegetarian foods and consuming them in moderation. can do. ”
He concluded: “Furthermore, incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet, even if you are not vegan, may also contribute to reducing the overall environmental impact of your food choices.” . Making conscious choices about what we eat and where that food comes from can create a positive ripple effect and foster a healthier planet for future generations. Overall, green eating is a holistic approach to food consumption that considers the interconnectedness of our food choices with environmental, social, and ethical considerations. ”
