As individuals become more aware of environmental consciousness, the ways to explore dietary choices with sustainability increase, too. Moreover, switching to a plant-based diet is a powerful and impactful step towards reducing the ecological footprint. Here, we will discuss the interconnected relationship between human dietary habits and environmental well-being as we delve into how a plant-based diet contributes to a healthier world.
In addition, we’re going to discuss the flexitarian diet, which emphasises a plant-based diet allowing the consumption of meat occasionally. There are several health benefits of a Plant-Based Diet. Let’s explore some of them in the article.
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Moreover, a Plant-based diet may include beans, nuts, spinach, lentils, soy protein, chickpeas, quinoa, seeds, brown rice, oats, spirulina, avocados, kale, and collard greens. There are different kinds of diets that most of us follow, and some of them are listed below:
- Flexitarian Diet: Few people are more flexible, and they prefer to cut down the meat option from their diet and eat a diet that’s more plant-based but with some animal products that must be included.
- Vegan Diet: These are people who have completely cut down on animal products, including milk, cheese, and honey, and have completely switched to eating plants as part of a vegan lifestyle.
- Raw Vegan Diet: These are the people who eat only raw, plant-based foods.
- Vegetarian Diet: These are the individuals who eat cheese, plant-based vegetables, eggs, and milk, excluding meat such as chicken, pork, and beef.
Some Interesting Benefits of Plant-Based Diet
Adopting a plant-based diet has some amazing benefits for the environment and animal welfare. Here are some of the key benefits of a plant-based diet:
Great for Heart Health
Plant-based diets are low in saturated fat and cholesterol when compared to animal products. In addition, some studies have proven that individuals who follow a plant-based diet have reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels.
Good for Gut Health
A plant-based diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, and legumes can contribute to better digestive health due to the high fibre content, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome and regular bowel movement.
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Reduces Risks of Chronic Diseases
Plant-based diets are rich in essential nutrients and offer proteins, vitamins, and minerals to the individuals following this diet. Additionally, a plant-based diet like a Flexitarian diet is known to help individuals lower the risks of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Aids Weight Loss
Plant-based diets are often associated with healthy weight maintenance and weight loss. Moreover, a plant-based diet is lower in calories and high in fibre and saturated fat than diets that include animal products, hence aiding in weight loss.
Environmental Sustainability
Adopting a plant-based diet is more environmentally friendly than diets based on animal products. Plant-based diets are much better as they contribute to a healthier environment. It requires less water, land, and resources and also reduces greenhouse gas emissions when compared to animal agriculture.
Lowers Blood Pressure
A plant-based diet is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and these nutrients may help in lowering blood pressure in humans. Few studies have shown that plant-based diet consumers have a 34 per cent lower risk of developing hypertension than animal eaters.
May Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease, and studies have shown that meat eaters are more prone to this disease. Also, another study suggested that a plant-based diet is loaded with high-quality nutrients that help in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The plant-based diets are lower in saturated fats than animal foods. While the animal-based diet increases the chances of developing heart-related issues, cholesterol levels, and type 2 diabetes.
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Reduces The Risk of Cancer
The benefits of a plant-based diet may be several, but did you know it can reduce the chances of developing cancer? Studies suggest that the best way to prevent cancer is by following a plant-based diet, including fibre, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. A plant-based diet is rich in vegetables, fruit, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. And the same goes for cancer survivors. Hence lowering the risk for certain cancers and helping in gaining a healthy weight.
Good for Brain Functioning
Following a plant-based diet may have many benefits to all of us, but did you know it may have a beneficial impact on brain functioning, too? Studies have shown that plant-based diets slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Another study suggested that consuming fruits and vegetables may help in reducing the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
Lowers Cholesterol
Few studies have shown that high cholesterol levels can be lowered when following a plant-based diet, and it may eventually reduce heart attacks, stroke and heart diseases. The main cause of high cholesterol is known to be the animal-based diet. So, switching to a plant-based diet can help in lower bad cholesterol by 10 to 15 per cent, while sticking to an animal-based diet can lead to a severe rise in cholesterol.
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Concluding Thoughts
To conclude, there are numerous health benefits of a plant-based diet, and it’s important to keep in mind that adopting the plant-based diet can offer all the necessary nutrients, including iron, protein, calcium, and vitamins, but it may be essential for you to be careful while switching to a plant-based diet to meet your nutritional needs. From improving heart health to helping in preventing type 2 diabetes, the plant-based diet will be beneficial. Moreover, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional requirements and maintaining good health.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Beato App does not claim responsibility for this information.
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