If your diet consists mainly of meat and dairy, it may be lacking in some essential plant nutrients. These nutrients are very important for your wellbeing. If you don’t get enough of them, you can develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies that could cause serious health problems.
Here are the five essential plant nutrients you won’t find in animal-based foods.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that comes with many health benefits. For one, it protects blood vessels from clogging. In doing so, it also helps keep your blood pressure under control. What’s more, it may even help delay and reduce mental decline in old age.
You can find vitamin C in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and cabbage. Some meats also contain this vitamin, but the amount is well below the recommended daily intake.
2. Pectin
Dietary fibers are among the essential plant nutrients. One of them is pectin, which helps the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. According to research, pectin may also help prevent colon cancer.
Fruits like berries, apples, and oranges are good sources of pectin.
3. Catechins
Catechins are a group of flavonoids that have a strong antioxidizing effect. Like vitamin C, they can help lower your blood pressure and keep your coronary health in check.
You can find catechins in apples, peaches, and pears. Green tea red wine are also rich in these essential plant nutrients.
4. Resistant Starch
Resistant starch is a plant-based sugar your body doesn’t digest. Instead, it helps maintain the optimal bacterial flora in the colon. Furthermore, it also plays an important role in the feeling of fullness after a meal.
You’ll find resistant starch in pasta, whole grains, and legumes.
5. Quercetin
Quercetin is another very common type of flavonoids. Like catechins, it helps regulate blood pressure. What’s more, it could also help prevent heart disease.
This nutrient is available in many different plant-based foods. You can find it in onions, apples, as well as cranberries and cocoa.
