Kasviravinto

Kasviravinto, also known as plant-based nutrition, refers to a dietary pattern that emphasizes foods derived from plants. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. While often used interchangeably with vegetarianism, kasviravinto can encompass a spectrum, from diets that exclude all animal products (veganism) to those that include dairy and eggs (ovo-lacto vegetarianism), or even small amounts of fish (pescetarianism) or poultry (pollotarianism). The core principle remains a significant reduction in or complete absence of meat, poultry, and fish.

Proponents of kasviravinto often cite potential health benefits such as a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, attributed to the typically higher intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in plant foods, along with a lower intake of saturated fat. Environmental considerations are also a common motivation, with plant-based diets generally having a smaller ecological footprint due to reduced land and water usage, and lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal agriculture.

Adopting a kasviravinto diet requires careful planning to ensure adequate intake of all essential nutrients, particularly vitamin B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine, which are more readily available in animal products. Supplementation or consumption of fortified foods may be necessary for some individuals. The popularity of kasviravinto has grown significantly, leading to a wider availability of plant-based products and restaurant options.