Plant-Based Diets: Nutritional Adequacy and Health Benefits

Authors

  • Samina Kauser Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Mehak Fatima Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Eesha Zubair Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Alisha Fatima Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Laiba Faayyaz Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Aqib Ishaq Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
  • Muhammad Abubakar Saeed Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Kanz Ul-Eman Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
  • Momina Batool School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao-266404, China
  • Muhammad Soban Mumtaz School of Tea and Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei-230036, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69565/mls.v4i2.442

Keywords:

Plant-Based Diet, Chronic Disease, Protein Quality, Muscle Protein Synthesis, Dietary Fiber

Abstract

Plant-based diets (PBDs) are gaining popularity due to their potential health and environmental benefits. Studies have linked PBDs to a lower likelihood of long-term conditions, including cardiovascular disorders, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and specific malignancies. Plant-based dietary intake, which exclude animal products, are particularly correlated with lower overall cancer incidence. PBDs also promote enhanced digestive function and microbial diversity. Environmental sustainability is a key driver of the shift towards PBDs, as plant food production is less resource-intensive and causes less ecological damage than animal agriculture. However, concerns remain about protein quality and muscle protein synthesis (MPS), as plant proteins have a different amino acid profile than animal proteins. Research on the relationship between plant-based diets and athletic performance is limited, with most evidence derived from observational studies. More randomized controlled trials are needed to understand how dietary patterns impact strength, endurance, and recovery.

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Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Kauser, S., Fatima, M., Zubair, E., Fatima, A., Faayyaz, L., Ishaq, A., Saeed, M. A., Ul-Eman, K., Batool, M., & Mumtaz, M. S. (2025). Plant-Based Diets: Nutritional Adequacy and Health Benefits. Medical and Life Sciences, 4(2), 26–36. https://doi.org/10.69565/mls.v4i2.442

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Volume 4(2)

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