As we become more educated about healthy eating and reducing our carbon footprint, more and more of us are starting to eat a plant-based diet. Retail food outlets and restaurants are well aware of this trend, resulting in more plant-based options than ever before.

According to information compiled by GlobalData, a data and insights firm, more than 70 percent of global consumers are moderating their meat intake or avoiding it altogether. People around the world are leaning towards vegetarianism or at least a desire to reduce meat consumption, if not to eliminate it entirely. In the past, especially in third world nations, meat was not affordable. Now, in first world nations, eating less meat is no longer simply a matter of cost but of health.

The benefits of eating a plant-based diet extend past just health and sustainability. In fact, plant-based proteins can be as nutritious as meat but contain far less fat. Plant protein requires much less water and energy to produce than livestock or poultry. As a consequence, companies are producing innovative plant-based “complete” proteins and supplements. These innovative plant proteins are an ideal part of an Active Wellness lifestyle. Examples are pea protein powder, bean based burgers, and nut-based cheese.

Whatever the reason for decreasing or cutting out animal products, increasing plant-based, nutrient-rich whole foods into our diets often results in eating less processed foods, which are generally full of preservatives and unhealthy ingredients commonly found in bacon, cold cuts, dried meats, canned meats, etc. The good news is that plant-based proteins are easily accessible. Legumes are widely known to provide high amounts of protein, e.g., organic tofu, lentils, black beans, lima beans, organic peas, chickpeas and so on. Nuts and seeds— such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds—are also known sources of protein.

Some surprising sources of plant-based proteins are potatoes, spinach, organic corn, avocado, broccoli and brussel sprouts. Even less known but considered superfoods by nutritionists for their nutrient density and high protein content are organic barley grass and organic algae such as spirulina and chlorella.

Nikken continues to be a pioneer in organic nutrition. One of our first organic nutritional supplements contains multiple benefits other than providing plant-based protein: Kenzen Jade Greenzymes® is made with a proprietary blend of organic young barley grass, organic acacia and organic pearl barley.

For weight maintenance, convenience and a plant-protein boost, there’s nothing better than Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix! Our exclusive formula contains plant proteins from organic peas, organic moringa powder, organic spirulina, organic chlorella, organic broccoli, organic spinach and organic rice. Why not drink a toast to our collective health and planet every morning?