NNIW 100 Interviews: Paula Hallam

Defining plant-based diets lacks a universal consensus, but generally, they emphasize plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, oils, and fats. Studies show that children on vegetarian and vegan diets generally grow well, although a small percentage may be slightly shorter due to the delayed introduction of complementary foods. Research on adult plant-based diets highlights benefits like reduced risk of overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. While there is less research on plant-based diets for children, some studies suggest that the focus on unsaturated fats can promote cardiovascular health and healthier weights