When it comes to achieving total body health and wellness, there are many different eating plans to consider. However, while some are good for your heart and others are good for other organs, very few offer a plan that benefits your entire body. Except for a plant-based diet, that is. So if you’re considering taking this route and stocking up on fruits, veggies, nuts and beans, here are some compelling reasons to start eating this way today:
#1: Reduced Risk of Cancer
The World Health Organization (WHO) just released study findings which correlate eating red meat (especially processed red meat) with specific types of cancer; namely colorectal, pancreatic and prostate. Therefore, eliminating (or at least severely restricting) these animal-based foods from your diet can potentially reduce your risk of developing one of these cancerous conditions.
#2: Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
WHO isn’t the only one that has connected red meat with life-threatening issues. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has also reported that eating red meat can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. And it can do so by as much as 13 percent for every three-ounce portion consumed. Considering the fact that a three-ounce portion is roughly the size of a bar of soap, it doesn’t take much to do some real harm to your heart and cardiovascular system.
#3: Better Blood Sugar Control
Plant-based diets are so beneficial when it comes to blood sugar control that the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine suggests that people who struggle with type 2 diabetes “avoid animal-derived products” entirely. They also recommend eating low fat when it comes to plant-based foods, which means cutting out vegetable oil and choosing options high in fiber.
#4: Clearer Skin Complexion
Many people who have switched to a plant-based diet have reported positive results when it comes to their complexion. For instance, in a post on New Beauty, one woman shared how eating primarily plants helped improve the appearance of her skin. Another post on Intent Blog revealed how one woman reversed her skin condition (melasma) by cutting meats and dairy out of her diet completely.
#5: Greater Ease Maintaining a Healthier Weight
U.S. News and Health Report points to the fact that several pieces of research have linked eating a lot of plant-based foods with a lower body weight, especially when compared to people who tend to eat a lot of meat. This is good news if you’re looking to shed a few pounds, because primarily eating plants is one way to achieve that goal.
#6: Better Digestive Health
If you find that you struggle with going to the bathroom, a plant-filled diet can often help thanks to the high fiber content of these types of foods. The one word of caution is that suddenly eating a lot of plants when your body isn’t used to them can make you extremely gassy. Therefore, you’re better off increasing your fiber intake slowly so that you avoid these bothersome and sometimes embarrassing issues.
#7: Improved Vision
In a post on care2.com, Dr. Michael Greger shares how eating a plant-based diet can help prevent vision issues such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetes, glaucoma, and cataracts. Apparently Bugs Bunny wasn’t so wrong after all with all of the carrots he ate!
Now that you know all of the ways eating a plant-based diet can benefit you, all you have to do is stock up and add them to your meal plan. Good luck!
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- 7 compelling reasons you should eat a plant-based diet - Dec 15, 2015