7 major benefits of plant-based diet
Plant-based diet is a type of diet that focuses on foods derived from plants, including vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes. This type of diet is now gaining popularity as more people are now becoming interested in the health and environmental benefits it offers. In this post, Shallout explores 7 of the main benefits of following a plant-based diet.
According to an article from Harvard Health, Plant-based diet patterns focus on foods primarily from plants. This includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans. It doesn’t mean that you are vegetarian or vegan and never eat meat or dairy. Rather, you are proportionately choosing more of your foods from plant sources.
Now, before we explore the 7 major benefits of plant-based diets, let us look at the various patterns of plant-based eating.
Mediterranean Diet
Mediterranean diet is a style of eating that is traditionally followed in countries around the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. It is characterized by an emphasis on plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, as well as healthy fats like olive oil. The Mediterranean diet also includes moderate amounts of seafood, poultry, and dairy, and only occasional consumption of red meat.
One of the main benefits of the Mediterranean diet is its potential to improve heart health. Studies have shown that following this type of diet can help to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. The Mediterranean diet is also thought to be beneficial for weight management, as it is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help to control appetite and promote weight loss.
Vegetarian Diet
Vegetarian diet is another pattern of plant-based diet. It does not include meat, poultry, or seafood. Vegetarian diets support health, including a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased longevity.
Generally, plant-based diets offer all the necessary protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health. Below, are the 7 major benefit of plant-based diet:
- Heart benefit: Plant-based diets are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are beneficial for heart health. They can help to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Weight management: Plant-based diets are typically lower in calories and fat than diets that include animal products, making them an effective tool for weight management. They can also help to reduce the risk of obesity, which is a leading cause of numerous health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Rich in nutrient: Plant-based diets can be rich in a variety of essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. By focusing on a variety of plant-based foods, it is possible to obtain all of the nutrients the body needs to function optimally.
- Diabetes management: Plant-based diets can be beneficial for people with diabetes as they are typically low in saturated fat and high in fiber, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Prevent cancer: Some studies have suggested that a plant-based diet may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer.
- Improved digestion: Plant-based diets are high in fiber, which can help to improve digestion and prevent constipation.
- Environmental benefits: Plant-based diets require fewer resources to produce than diets that include animal products. They also generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which can help to reduce the negative impact of agriculture on the environment.
To wrap it all up, a plant-based diet can offer numerous health and environmental benefits. We have seen that It can help with weight management, improve heart health, and support diabetes management, among other things. It is also a sustainable and nutrient-rich way of eating. Healthy life is evidence of healthy food. Shallout!!!
