Plant-Based Diets: When Did They Bloom?

Plant-based diets have been around for thousands of years, with roots in ancient civilisations and religions. However, the modern plant-based diet is a more recent phenomenon. The term plant-based diet was popularised by nutritional biochemist T. Colin Campbell in 1980, but the term vegetarian was first used in 1842, and the term vegan was coined in 1944. The popularity of plant-based diets has increased in recent years due to a variety of factors, including health benefits, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations.

The influence of ancient civilisations

One of the most widely practised religions in the world, Buddhism, has advocated for plant-based diets for around 2,500 years. The belief in reincarnation and the doctrine of 'ahimsa' or 'non-injury' play a significant role in these dietary choices. 'Ahimsa' includes refraining from violence towards people, animals, and plants, as well as abstaining from meat, honey, eggs, and using animal-based products. This doctrine is also followed in Jainism and Hinduism, with the former's teacher Mahavira stating, "There is no quality of soul more subtle than non-violence and no virtue of spirit greater than reverence for life."

In ancient Greece, Pythagoras of Samos, best known for the Pythagorean Theorem, was one of the first to mention vegetarianism. He believed in the transmigration of souls and that all living beings were related, advocating for benevolence towards animals and abstaining from meat. His followers, the Pythagoreans, ate a simple diet of bread, honey, and vegetables, and the term was synonymous with 'vegetarian' until the 1840s.

Veganism was also present in ancient societies, particularly in countries like India and China, where religious reasons played a significant role. In Africa, plant-based meals were a staple due to the abundance of plants and tubers compared to grains.

Furthermore, tofu, a staple of plant-based diets today, originated in China an estimated 2,000 years ago. It is made from soybeans and is similar to cheese in its production process. Tofu became a crucial source of protein, iron, and calcium for Buddhist monks and has spread worldwide, becoming a well-known alternative to meat.

In conclusion, ancient civilisations, including those from India, China, Africa, and Europe, have played a significant role in shaping plant-based diets. Religious beliefs, philosophical ideas, and environmental factors influenced the adoption of vegetarianism and veganism, with some practices and foods still prevalent in modern plant-based diets.

The role of celebrities and influencers

Some celebrities have cited health reasons for adopting plant-based diets. For example, Venus Williams switched to a plant-based diet after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, while Michelle Pfeiffer credits her vegan diet for her youthful appearance. Others, like Billie Eilish, have cited concerns about animal rights and climate change as reasons for their dietary choices.

In addition to celebrities, social media influencers have also played a significant role in promoting plant-based diets. These influencers often share their vegan journeys and recipes online, influencing their followers to adopt similar diets. However, it is important to note that some influencers have been criticised for providing advice on restrictive diets that they do not follow themselves, which has led to tragic incidents of malnutrition and even death.

While celebrities and influencers have contributed to the popularity of plant-based diets, it is essential to approach their advice with caution and consult qualified health professionals before making any significant dietary changes.

The impact of documentaries

Documentaries have played a significant role in popularising plant-based diets, with some sources citing them as a key driver of the recent surge in interest. A variety of documentaries have been released over the years, covering different aspects of plant-based diets, including health benefits, environmental impact, and ethical concerns related to animal welfare.

One notable documentary is "Forks Over Knives" (2011), which explores the idea that adopting a plant-based diet can help eliminate or control diseases like cancer and diabetes. The film follows the journeys of a nutritional biochemist and a cardiac surgeon, providing individual case studies that demonstrate the potential health benefits of a plant-based approach.

"What the Health" (2017) is another influential documentary that uncovers the link between plant-based diets and the prevention and reversal of chronic diseases. The film also highlights the role of government and big business in colluding to hide this information from the public.

"The Game Changers" (2019), executive produced by celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron, focuses on the benefits of a plant-based diet for athletic performance. It features testimonies from plant-based athletes and presents evidence-based research from prominent doctors, challenging the notion that meat is necessary for strength and performance.

"Cowspiracy" (2014) takes a different approach by focusing on the environmental impact of animal agriculture. It reveals how livestock farming contributes to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution, encouraging viewers to make more sustainable choices.

"David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet" (2020) is another powerful documentary that, while not exclusively vegan, emphasises the urgent need for environmental conservation and the interconnectedness of all life forms. It highlights how animal agriculture impacts ecosystems and encourages viewers to consider plant-based options for the sake of the planet.

These documentaries have played a pivotal role in educating and inspiring people to adopt plant-based diets, not only for their potential health benefits but also for the environmental and ethical implications. They have sparked conversations and transformations worldwide, contributing to the growing popularity of plant-based diets in recent years.

Religious beliefs

The adoption of plant-based diets has been influenced by various religious beliefs and doctrines throughout history. One of the earliest examples of vegetarianism is found in the Indus river civilisation, dating back over 9,000 years to a town called Mehrgarh in modern-day Pakistan. This civilisation is believed to be from the 3rd-2nd millennium BCE and is associated with the origins of Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world. Hinduism promotes the concept of reincarnation and non-violence, which has led to a long tradition of vegetarianism in India.

Another prominent religion that has influenced plant-based diets is Buddhism, which has followed plant-based practices for about 2,500 years. The belief in reincarnation and the doctrine of ahimsa, or non-injury, are key factors in Buddhist dietary choices. Ahimsa encompasses refraining from violence towards people, animals, and plants, as well as avoiding the use of animal-based products and capturing animals in zoos. Jainism and Hinduism also adhere to this doctrine.

In the 6th century BCE, the Greek philosopher Pythagoras and his followers promoted a plant-based diet based on their belief in the transmigration of souls and the 'kinship of all life'. They abstained from eating meat and certain legumes, such as beans, which Pythagoras believed were shaped like human fetuses and contained the souls of the dead. This diet, known as the Pythagorean Diet, was widely followed until the 1800s.

In the Islamic world, Abu 'L'Ala Ahmad ibn 'Abdallah al-Ma'arri, a poet and writer from Aleppo (now Syria), became a vegan at the age of 30. He believed that harming animals, stealing their milk and eggs, or taking their flesh was evil. He expressed these views in his famous poem "I No Longer Steal from Nature".

In the 19th century, the Romantic Era in Europe saw an increase in plant-based diets influenced by humanitarian ideas and concerns for animal welfare. Writers such as Percy Bysshe Shelley and his wife Mary Shelley advocated for vegetarianism and animal welfare through their writings.

Health benefits

Plant-based diets have been around for thousands of years, with the earliest evidence of vegetarianism dating over 9,000 years ago to the Indus river civilisation in modern-day Pakistan. However, the push for plant-based diets is perhaps the largest it has ever been, with 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 18 considering themselves to be either vegan or vegetarian as of January 2022.

Plant-based diets are associated with a wide range of health benefits, including:

• Improved weight management: Plant-based diets are linked to a lower body mass index (BMI) and can aid in weight loss. This is partly due to the high fibre content of plant-based foods, which promotes a feeling of fullness and improves bowel function.
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Plant-based diets can help prevent and manage various chronic diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The high fibre content of plant-based diets also contributes to a healthy gut, which is crucial for maintaining overall health.
• Improved cardiovascular health: Plant-based diets have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, lower cholesterol levels, and improve cardiac function. This is partly due to the exclusion of dietary cholesterol found in meat and dairy products, which contributes to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
• Reduced inflammation: The essential nutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidants in plant-based foods help resolve inflammation in the body and neutralise toxins from pollution, processed food, bacteria, and viruses.
• Improved immune function: Plants provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that support the immune system and help protect against germs and microorganisms.
• Lower cancer risk: Plant-based diets have been consistently proven to reduce the risk of various types of cancer, including the third most common cancer, colorectal cancer.
• Improved gut health: Plant-based diets improve gut health by increasing the intake of fibre, which is present in all unprocessed plant foods. Fibre is essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and promoting the absorption of nutrients.
• Mental health benefits: Plant-based diets have been linked to improved mental health and a lower risk of developing mental health illnesses.

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