5 Surprising Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
Plant-based diets, which focus on whole foods derived from plants (vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts, seeds, and grains), are growing in popularity, and with good reason. Eating more whole foods and avoiding processed foods as well as those containing added sugar have well-established benefits to your health and wellness.
But there are also several lesser-known benefits to going plant-based, and some may surprise you.
1. Eating a Plant-Based Diet Lowers Your Risk of Disease
Research links a vegetarian/plant-based diet to a lowered risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Making the change from a typical American diet to a plant-based (including some meat) or vegetarian one, was associated with a 10 to 15 percent decrease in total and LDL “bad” cholesterol.
2. Plant-Based Diets are High in Nutrients
A plant-based diet is high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and many other nutrients. More nutrients means that you require fewer supplements, and that you can enjoy clearer skin, more energy, greater sports performance, and better overall health.
3. Plant-Based Diets are Better for the Environment
The production of beef and other animal protein consumes huge amounts of natural resources such as water, fossil fuels and topsoil, while polluting our water and air.
4. Plant-Based Diets May Lead to Weight Loss
Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and low in calories, while most meat is high in calories and fat. Centering your diet around plant-based foods forces you to eat healthier, which in turn may result in weight loss.
5. Plant-Based Diets Help Increase Variety
While you aren't eating as much meat or dairy, being on a plant-based diet motivates you to head to the grocery store to buy fresh foods, prepare more foods at home, and possess a willingness to try different foods that you didn’t eat before.
So, how do you get started?
Before you go grocery shopping, think about your meals, and focus on vegetables and grains as the center. Half your plate should be veggies and grains, and not your meat source.
If you are a meat-eater, start by cutting back; for example, enjoy meat just once a day and cut your portion to less than 3-4 ounces.
Seek out other protein sources instead, for example, beans, tofu, nuts, seeds, higher protein grains, and vegetables. Incorporate fish into your diet 1-2 times a week to get extra Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and to increase variety.
And just as with any other healthy eating lifestyle, plan ahead and start slowly.
Plant-based is a loosly constructed term. You don’t have to completely eliminate meat and dairy.
But by cutting down on your meat and dairy consumption, and reducing their portion size, you will experience a great many benefits.