Written by: Hajra Mariyam (Content Writer)
Reviewed by: Dt. Sakina Arshad (Dietitian and Nutritionist)
Many of you may be familiar with a Latin proverb that says good health and good sense are two great blessings. So, why not take care of these blessings, especially health? For this, you should have a sound knowledge of your body’s needs and what can make you healthier. One of the things that helps you to have a successful journey towards a healthier body is diet. A man is what he eats. Sounds familiar? That doesn’t mean that you become an apple after eating it. Lol! It means a healthier and cleaner diet shows up in your health and energy.
What is a Plant-based Diet?
A plant-based diet includes food coming from plants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and oils. Consuming a plant-focused diet doesn’t mean that you have to completely forget about having meat. Rather, it just means to focus more on the food from plants. The basic purpose of this diet is to choose a healthier life by minimizing the high intake of animal-based and ultra-processed food. The focus will be on a plant-based and environmentally-friendly diet option.
Now that you have a clear idea of what a plant-focused diet is, here are 5 reasons why you should opt for this. These benefits are supported by evidence from literature so that you can consume this content without fear of misguidance.
1. Cardiovascular (Heart-related) Health and Prevention of Diabetes
No one wants to die earlier, having a heart attack, or missing out on the sweetness of life due to diabetes. Right? If you are also one of those who want to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes, then a plant-based diet is for you. Because a plant-based diet prevents these two diseases, Viroli says.
But wait!
You need to seek help from a healthcare professional like a nutritionist to plan the diet for you based on your needs and preferences. Because, if not well-planned, it can cause micro-nutrient deficiency in your body making you prone to other diseases.
2. Better Metabolism
Science has also associated a plant-based diet
with adequate meat (lean meat and fish) consumption to healthy
metabolism and longevity. It improves your intestinal health and limits protein consumption, paving the path for a longer life. Also, the potential of this diet in preventing cardiovascular diseases leads to a healthy life.
Again, the diet must be well-planned with the help of a professional to help you get its full benefits. The reason is that an ineffectively planned diet or complete exclusion of meat can cause nutrient
deficiency, especially in older age.
3. Weight Loss in Postmenopausal Women
The diet also has benefits for obese women during menopause. A study found that low-fat plant-based diet result in weight loss of about 5 kg in 14 weeks.Yes, it is right and supported by scientific evidence. However, you are strictly advised to seek professional help to discuss your needs and get a diet plan based on plant-based foods.
4. Prevention of Cancer
A well-planned plant-based diet prevents cancer and arthritis. Prolonged inflammation can cause cancer and arthritis by damaging cells and tissues in your body. Plant-based foods provide a lot of antioxidants that not only neutralize
toxins in your body but also kill free radicals (causing inflammation). Thus reduced inflammation due to a plant-based diet can prevent one from cancer and arthritis.
5. Economic and Environmental-Friendly
The plant-based diet
provides consumers with diversified food options that are cost-effective and
rich in different nutrients. For example, the nutrients include folate,
calcium, potassium, and vitamins. These nutrients are beneficial for your
overall well-being and reduce chances of cancer,
and heart diseases, thus reducing healthcare costs. Plants also generate
lesser greenhouse gas emissions as compared to animal-based foods. This shows
that a plant-based diet is environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Overall, the benefits of a plant-based diet include prevention of diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis), better metabolism, healthy weight loss, cost-effectiveness, and environmental-friendly. These pros emphasize why one should include a well-planned plant-based diet in their lifestyle. The recommendation for the consumers is that they must take professional help to plan their diet according to their needs and preferences.
Comments
Post a Comment