Plant-based fat is incredibly healthy and its sources are plentiful. It is a common misconception that vegan or vegetarian diets don’t have a lot of variety. Especially when we talk about vital macronutrients such as fat, protein, and carb. However, this is not true. There are numerous sources fit for anyone to consume.
Fat-rich foods don’t ring a bell when we mention plant-based sources. No need to worry we are here to help. The foods that we shall discuss are easily incorporated into any existing diet plan. They are organic and very much nutrient-dense.
Plant-Based Fat Is a Far Healthier Alternative
Fat is an important part of our diet there is no denying that. We can’t completely remove it from our plate however, we can alter where it comes from. The foods that it comes with often have other added benefits. For example, some of the food mentioned here have are quite dense in different vitamins and minerals.
You have to use them smartly to get the most out of them. Consider consulting a dietitian, they might have some useful tips. Either way, these foods have their unique characteristics. You might be surprised to know that you consume some of these sources of plant-based fat.
- Seeds
- Olive Oil
- Nuts
- Avocados
- Dark Chocolate
- Coconut Oil
Seeds Produce Organic Vegetable Oil
Seeds are one the most versatile and healthy sources of plant-based fat. One of the biggest products that they produce is vegetable oil. Almost all seeds have some natural oil in them however, not all of them are used as cooking oil. This food goes hand in hand with many recipes and diets. From being used as a garnish to being a centerpiece, seeds can do it all. For example, flaxseed has gained popularity in recent years for its health benefits.
They are also fiber-rich food and are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Switching to a more well-known variety we have sunflower seeds that produce sunflower oil. This is known to be far healthier to cook foods with. It may also lower your cholesterol. Experiment a bit with what works for you before adding it to your diet plan.
Olive Oil Is Loaded With Antioxidants
Olives are another versatile vegetable that has a host of uses and benefits. For one it is used to extract olive oil. It is used in multiple cuisines and for good reason as it’s full of antioxidants. Olives may also have a detoxifying effect on the body. It has multiple medicinal benefits as well. For example, it can be effective against inflammation and reduce cholesterol levels.
Among the sources of plant-based fat, olives are great for people looking to lose weight. It is also great for our stomach and gut health. It is quite easy to add this ingredient to your diet plan. However, make sure to use other vegan foods along with olives to attain their full effectiveness.
Nuts Are Rich In Plant-Based Fat & Protein
Nuts are one of the most diverse foods for plant-based fat. Moreover, they are also protein-rich and full of vitamins and minerals. Not all nuts are made the same. Some of them have characteristics that you may like, while others you may not like the taste of. For example, pistachios have vitamin A & E and are generally liked. On the other hand, some nuts are a bit hard to incorporate into your eating habits.
Nuts are a great source of vegan fat but they should be eaten in moderation. This is due to them being a bit calorie-dense. However, they could be good for weight and loss if know how to use them. You see this food may prevent you from overeating as it gives the sensation of being full. Appetite control may be the way to a little bit of weight with nuts.
Avocados May Reduce Bad Cholesterol
Almost everyone is familiar with avocados. However, not many people know of its high-fat content. You can find it in almost every vegan or vegetarian diet. Moreover, it’s good for lowering bad cholesterol as well. Look for recipes online that involve avocados. You will find that you can incorporate it anywhere. For example, it is good for breakfast, lunch, or even as a snack. It is not that calorie-dense so you shouldn’t worry about gaining weight.
Avocados are also full of antioxidants that help detoxify the body. Furthermore, they are rich in fiber. Fiber-dense foods take longer to digest. This means your stomach has to work harder to process them. All this extra work makes the body burn more calories. Eat more high-fiber foods like avocados that not only have healthy fats but make lose a little weight as well.
Dark Chocolate Is an Unusual Source
Dark chocolate is an unusual choice among sources of plant-based fat. However, chocolate contains a surprising amount of it. It is a bit calorie dense when compared to other foods on this list. It compensates for it by providing a lot of health benefits like improving cardiovascular health. Furthermore, dark chocolate also helps to main healthy blood sugar levels.
Having a little bit of it for breakfast can give that extra energy boost in the morning. It has certain qualities that stimulate our brain to make us more active throughout the day. However, it should be taken in moderation as it could contain a lot of added sugar as well. On the whole, it’s a healthy vegan-friendly source of fat.
Coconut Oil Is Great For Plant-Based Fat
Coconut oil is another excellent way to add nutrition to your diet plan. It is used in cooking and herbal remedies as well. Moreover, coconut itself has other properties as well. For example, people on a dairy-free diet use coconut milk as an alternative to processed dairy. It is a great substitute for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Coconut hydrates the body and has very few calories. It can be eaten straight out of the husk or is available in processed packaging. However, you should go towards the organic options as they retain their nutritional value.
Functional Diet Plan Requires Balancing Macronutrients
Fat is an important macronutrient that is vital to sustaining our health. It can be acquired from a lot of different places. Plant-based alternatives happen to be one of the best when it comes to added benefits. Fruits and vegetables often contain a lot more than what is apparent.
They have vital vitamins, minerals, and healthy oils that have uses in multiple ways. We eat many of them daily as part of our diet plan yet fail to realize it. Furthermore, it is best to plan for our meals beforehand and add these vegan-friendly foods in a way that brings out the most of them.
