It can be difficult to change your habits, especially after a certain time. This applies to different areas, including fitness, diet, and work habits. It can be more difficult to effect these changes if the benefits are not immediate or fully visible. However, like everything else on the list, eating a plant-based diet has immense benefits. Plant-based diets are highly nutritious as they contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They can also reduce your risk for certain diseases like cancer.
Adopting A Plant-based Diet
A plant-based diet consists mainly of food made primarily from plants. It includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans, legumes, and oils. This diet differs from a vegan or vegetarian diet, where you can eat dairy, meat, and poultry. However, with a plant-based diet, your food is made up more of plants. Ideally, 2/3 of your meal should consist of food from plant sources. Sabrina Toledano, a clinical dietician-nutritionist, acknowledged the challenges of switching to a plant-based diet.
However, she advised that anyone switching to one should consider it a lifestyle change rather than a diet. This way, you will be more receptive to adopting this diet as you will focus on the benefits. Focusing on the benefits will make you more likely to stick with your lifestyle and dietary change and resist temptations. Here are some benefits of this diet and why you should try them.
Plant-based Diets Boost Your Immune System
Plant-based diets have been proven to reduce the risk of cancer, particularly colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Plants have antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals that boost the immune system. These nutrients and minerals keep the cells healthy, impacting the immune system. This allows the immune system to recognize and fight infections, germs, and cell mutations before they become diseases.
Plant-based Diets Help Fight Against Other Diseases
The Mediterranean diet is a good example of a plant-based diet. It comprises plant-based food sources, such as fish, lentils, nuts, poultry, eggs, and legumes. Several studies have established its effect against diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression, and metabolic syndrome. The Mediterranean diet has also been found to slow aging, reduce inflammation and arthritis, and increase mental acuity.
Plant-based Diets Help to Maintain a Healthy Weight
Plant-based diets can also help to maintain a healthy weight and body mass. A study by Harvard scientists discovered that a green diet helped middle-aged men with high cholesterol and abdominal obesity lose weight in six months. They also had lower cholesterol and blood pressure and less insulin resistance. Notably, a healthy weight reduces cancer risk, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance.
Plant-based Diets Help Digestion and Gut Health
Plant-based diets are rich in fiber, which is good for the gut. Fiber is found in unprocessed plant foods and has a host of benefits. It aids digestion, boosts the immune system, lowers cholesterol, and reduces inflammation. Fiber improves bowel movement and reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. It is also beneficial to diabetics since it helps stabilize blood sugar.
People of all ages can benefit from plant-based meals. They offer several benefits to the body and help to reduce medication dependency. You can start with vegetables and fruits that you enjoy. Afterward, you can gradually increase your portions to 2/3 of your meal. This way, you can build consistency and improve your health.
#Clique, do you adhere to a plant-based diet? What benefits did you derive from it, and how has it been so far? Detail your dieting experience and recipes in the comments.
