Are you considering adding plant-based meals to your diet repertoire this New Year? Plant-based diets are now considered one of the biggest upcoming food trends this New Year. The surge in popularity of plant-based diets has been on the rise in recent times now. These “8 Amazing Health Benefits of a plant-based diet” will enlighten you on the benefit of joining the plant-based movement or incorporating more plant-based meals into your everyday eating habits.
These are not New Year’s resolution diets. The plant-based diet is not new in any sense but erupted from a niche industry, which usually targets vegetarians and vegans, into a mainstream lifestyle, targeting the general population.
Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
#1. Improve Your Digestion
Plants are incredible because they’re naturally full of fiber which is a key to good digestion.
Fiber helps increase the bulkiness of your stool. Remember to go slow with your fiber intake if you are new to this diet.
#2. Reduce Your Risk for Chronic Disease
Research studies have shown that people with diets full of meat, dairy, and processed foods have a higher risk for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
On the other hand, Plant-based eaters have been shown to have the opposite effects.
However, people on plant-based diets reported lower cases of many common chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, some types of cancer (colon cancer), Alzheimer’s disease, etc.
So, if you’re concerned about chronic disease or have a family history, converting to a plant-based diet is a good idea. (source)
#3. Naturally, Boost Your Energy
Plants contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals, which are excellent for energy.
Plants are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, and often healthy fats and protein, which are excellent for your brain and mood.
Because plants are also easier to digest, it gives your extra body energy to spend. Plant-based foods are also great for performance.
#4. Get Healthy Skin, Hair & Nails
What you put into your body is what shows on the outside. For example, plants are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are excellent for your skin.
However, going vegan isn’t going to clear up your skin miraculously. Potentially, it might take some time. So you need to be patient.
#5. Lose Weight Effortlessly
Have you wondered why people recommend you eat fruits, veggies, and whole grains to lose weight?
This is because we know they are more nutrient-dense than processed foods. Nevertheless, plant-based foods also have a lower calorie-to-volume ratio.
You will likely experience better weight management if you consume a whole, plant-based diet (low in fats and processed sugar).
Consuming food high in raw, clean whole foods may improve your chances of losing weight even more, even though cooked foods may help with nutrient absorption.
Weight loss can occur naturally when you consume more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than animal fats and proteins.
#6. Lower Blood Pressure
Most people living a plant-based diet usually have lower blood pressure due to a higher intake of potassium-rich foods.
Potassium aids in lower blood pressure, which leads to stress and anxiety.
Most whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and all fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of potassium and Vitamin B6, which also helps lower blood pressure.
Meat and many animal foods contain little to no potassium, which raises blood pressure and cholesterol.
This study review suggests that a plant-based diet is a valuable tool in atrial fibrillation risk factor management. The effects of a plant-based diet on established and emerging risk factors, such as inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis, are reviewed in this article.
A particular focus was put on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and obesity (source).
#7. Lower Cholesterol
The main benefit you’ll receive from embracing plant-based foods is the ability to lower cholesterol.
Many people don’t know plants contain NO cholesterol, even saturated sources like coconut and cacao.
A plant-based diet is one of the simplest ways to lower cholesterol. Plant foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds can lower cholesterol and heart disease rates.
#8. Support the Environment
Eating a plant-based diet is probably one of the best things you can do for the planet.
If you eat a plant-based diet every single day, you’d be;
- saving 1,100 gallons of water per day
- 30 square feet of forest,
- 10 pounds of CO2 emissions
- and one animal.
Yes, every single day…
Conclusion
My best advice for transitioning to a plant-based diet is to take it slow. When you jump into things too quickly, you tend to feel deprived; when you feel deprived, you end up not sticking with them.
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