Fact: Plant-based diets heavy on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes and significantly lighter on meat and dairy products are good for you.

According to a study published by the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2019, such diets have been shown to help better manage body weight, lower the risk of mortality from heart disease, and reduce the risks of contracting most chronic diseases.

Why plants, you may ask?

They are the only source of phytochemicals and fibre, two categories of nutrients known to promote health and fight disease. As people begin to be more health-conscious, and do their part for environmental sustainability, it's not surprising to see them making changes to their diet as a good starting point.

Eating healthier for both you and the Earth

According to a survey by global public opinion and data company YouGov, 39 per cent of Singaporeans are currently on a flexitarian diet, which encourages mostly plant-based foods while allowing meat and other animal products in moderation.

Among the survey participants, some are considering such diets for health reasons, while others have done so due to concerns about how meat or fish is produced.

Another reason diets are evolving is a concern about how processed meat can be unhealthy.

Some flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans have also made these choices to do their part to save the planet. Plant-based diets are often viewed as more sustainable as producing plant-based foods uses agricultural land more efficiently, saves water and reduces the impact on climate change.

Expand your menu of alternative nutrition sources

Considering adopting a flexitarian, vegan or vegetarian diet? Be mindful that certain types of nutrition required for a healthy body can be derived from specific food types.

Soya milk is a great alternative source of nutrition. One such option is Nutrisoy Fresh Soya Milk, made from all natural, premium, non-genetically modified soya beans.

Available in seven variants, it is trans-fat- and cholesterol-free. A reduced sugar option minimises the intake of empty calories or excessive sugar, while the Omega variant is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids known to be good for your heart and mind.

Featuring the Health Promotion Board's Healthier Choice Symbol, the beverage is nutritionally in line with the Singapore Heart Foundation's guidelines for heart-healthy drinks, and high in calcium for the development of strong bones and teeth. Calcium is also necessary to maintain nerve and muscle function.

Boosting your daily intake of protein

Vegan and vegetarian diets may be higher in dietary fibre, magnesium, folic acid, vitamins C and E, iron, and phytochemicals, but lack the proteins and amino acids that meat provides.

Nutrisoy Fresh Soya Milk is an easy and convenient way to supplement that as it contains nine essential amino acids that can only be obtained through diet. It is also high in vitamin D3 which helps in calcium absorption and supports one's immunity. The vitamin D3 used is from a plant source, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans as well.

If you're simply looking to be more health-conscious, it's a great addition to your repertoire of healthy food and drinks. The low-GI beverage contains twice the amount of protein compared to other soya milk drinks, so you feel full for a longer period of time and may find it easier to resist the temptation to snack between meals.

Those doing intermittent fasting may consider Nutrisoy Fresh Soya Milk with Real Oats and Quinoa. Oats contain vitamin B, which provides longer-lasting energy, while quinoa is rich in protein and essential amino acids.

The beverage is also suitable for lactose-intolerant consumers as a high-protein, calcium-rich substitute for dairy products. It can be enjoyed on its own, or used in a wide variety of sweet and savoury dishes.

All variants of Nutrisoy Fresh Soya Milk, from $2.35 for a 1L pack, are available at all major supermarkets and hypermarkets, as well as selected convenience stores across Singapore. They are also available in 475ml packs.

Click here for more information.