The Plant-Based Diet Benefits: An Informative Guide

Category: Healthy Living

Author

Posted on December 15, 2022

Scott is passionate about health and wellness, and enjoys writing on various topic surrounding these fields. Scott lives in Seattle and spends his free time restoring old furniture and playing pickleball with his friends.



plant-based diet benefits

In a recent study, it was found that 10% of U.S. adults identify following either a vegetarian or full plant-based diet.  Worldwide, there are approximately 79 million people who follow a vegan diet. 

You might be wondering what are the plant-based diet benefits. And how can they help you live a healthier lifestyle?

If you're wondering how to eat healthier, then switching to vegan foods can be one of the solutions. The misconception is that it's difficult to maintain or that plant-based food is bland. 

In this article, we look at some of the best foods to eat for be biggest health impacts as well as go into the multitude of benefits that switching to plant-based diets brings. Read on to find out more. 

Plant-Based Diet Benefits

If you're interested in healthy eating, then cutting down on meat will probably be one of the things you want to focus on. Cutting down on over-processed and nutrient-poor foods is also a key factor in improving your health. 

Embracing a plant-based lifestyle has so many benefits, if you're looking to improve your health, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner.

A Plant-Based Diet Could Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases your chances of having heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and strokes. By changing what you eat, you can lower the chances of suffering from these diseases. 

Plant-based diets can help to lower cholesterol, which in turn helps to lower blood pressure. 

A Plant-Based Diet Could Help Keep Your Heart Healthy

Meat contains saturated fats, and it's a long-known fact that diets high in saturated fat can contribute to heart issues when eaten in excess. 

To help prevent cardiovascular diseases, you should increase your intake of anti-inflationary foods. These are easily found in plant-based foods. They include things like green leafy vegetables, whole grains, tomatoes, yellow vegetables, walnuts, and extra virgin olive oil. 

 A Plant-Based Diet Could Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Another long-standing fact is the link between diet and type 2 diabetes. One of the main reasons is weight. If you're overweight, you will have more fatty tissue present in your body, which will make cells in your body more resistant to insulin. 

A plant-based diet filled with high-quality plant foods is shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because plants are lower in saturated fat than animal-based foods. 

A Plant-Based Diet Could Help You Lose Weight

When you switch from a meat-heavy diet to a plant-based one, your risk of obesity decreases. Generally, people who follow a plant-based diet weigh less than those who eat meat.

By consuming more plants and whole foods you still consume the same calories, but the way the calories are distributed is different. Vegetables and grains naturally have a lower glycemic index which means they get digested slower which makes you feel fuller for longer. 

Another health benefit of switching to plant-based diets means you'll increase your intake of fiber. This can be found in fruit and vegetables as well as grain. Fiber is essential for helping you feel fuller for longer. 

A Long-Term Plant-Based Diet Could Help You Live Longer

By sticking to a long-term plant-based, studies have found that the risk of all types of mortality is lowered. This is thanks to the increased ability of your body being able to protect itself from various diseases. 

A Plant-Based Diet Could Help Decrease Your Risk of Cancer

The American Institute for Cancer Research states that one of the best ways to source cancer-preventing nutrients is to consume a diet rich in nutrients. These nutrients are mainly found in beans, vegetables, grains, fruit, nuts, and seeds.

A Plant-Based Diet Could Help Keep Your Brain Strong

Following a plant-based diet has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer's and other cognitive diseases

This is down to the fact that fruit and vegetables are high in polyphenols. These polyphenols potentially help to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease as well as assist in reversing cognitive decline. 

A Plant-Based Diet Can Help Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Switching your diet to a plant-based one is one the single most impactful actions a person can make to reduce their carbon footprint. 

When compared, pound for pound, animal products need 100 times more water than grain products. And the production of oat milk releases 80% less greenhouse gas compared to cow's milk. 

Best Plants to Eat

So you might be wondering which are the most healthy plants to eat on a plant-based diet. Here are some of the best foods you should start to include in your diet.

  • Tofu, tempeh, and edamame bean are high in protein and low in fat
  • Lentils contain protein and fiber as well as nutrients such as iron and potassium
  • Chickpeas are high in protein 
  • Spirulina is rich in nutrients and includes iron, B vitamins, and manganese
  • Quinoa is high-protein,  magnesium, iron, fiber, and manganese
  • Mycoprotein is high in protein and a great substitute for meat products
  • Nutrient and protein-rich vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and mushrooms  

Need More Information on a Plant-Based Lifestyle?

As you've just read, there are numerous plant-based diet benefits. If you need more information on getting started and more healthcare tips, then check out our other informative articles on PricePro Pharmacy.

Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff are here to help you live the healthiest life possible. We offer the biggest discounts on prescription medication with the best customer service. Visit our online store today to see how you can enhance your health.

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