The promise of living longer bolsters the plant based food market

People are eating up the benefits of a plant-based diet, with the global market for such foodstuffs predicted to grow by almost 12% by 2027, to $74.2 billion.

Studies have shown that a planet-based diet reduces the overall risk of death, while also lowering risks for heart attack and colon cancer. A plant-centered diet involves fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, whole grains and meat substitutes such as soy products. However, strict vegetarianism isn’t necessary to yield health benefits, according to the research.

Consumers are responding. A 2021 market survey attributed the boom to several factors: increased health consciousness, urbanization, new consumer aspirations and investor interest. Much of the increased demand is being met through traditional grocery stores and supermarkets, which are diversifying their offerings.

Despite the gains, the plant-based diet still faces considerable resistance. After all, people really like their meat, and some meat substitutes are higher priced.

Science confirming the benefits of a plant-based diet has cascaded in recent years. Some of the most significant results involve heart health.

In one study, people who ate the most plant-based foods had a 16% lower risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and other conditions. They also had a 32% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and a 25% lower risk of dying from any cause. This was one of the first studies to compare plant- vs. animal-based eating patterns in the general population rather than a specific subset, said lead researcher Casey M. Rebholz of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

Other research examined eating patterns across the lifespan. People who consumed a plant-centered diet in young adulthood were less likely to suffer heart attacks, stroke, heart failure and other such conditions in middle age. Eating plant-based foods that lowered cholesterol levels also cut the risk of heart disease in postmenopausal women.

It’s important to remember not all plant-based foods are equally beneficial – think French fries. Foods with refined carbohydrates, added sugars and oils should be limited.

The cardiovascular benefits of plant-based eating have been attributed to increased consumption of fiber, plant protein and unsaturated fatty acids, which helps lower cholesterol, blood pressure and body weight.