There are a number of key reasons why a plant-based diet is best for your health, and for the world. Plant-based diets are those which rely almost exclusively on plants for all their nutrients, with few or no animal products (vegetarian) or products from animals (vegan).
There are many variations of plant-based diet, from Mediterranean and Okinawan to vegan raw, but the one thing they all have in common is that they have health implications and could be the best way to fight disease and ward off the wear and tear of aging.
High in Nutrition
Plants are packed full of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, that is, special compounds that offer a range of disease-fighting properties.
Low in Calories
Ounce for ounce, fruits and veggies are lower in calories than meat and poultry.
Low Cholesterol
Plant-based products do o not contain cholesterol. Only animal product do.
Low in Fat
Plants are much lower in fat than animal flesh and animal products. Even olive oil and avocados, 2 very fatty plant products, are not that high in fat. The fat they do contain is considered healthy because it naturally lowers bad LDL cholesterol and increases helpful HDL cholesterol.
High in Fiber
Fiber helps you feel full for longer, so a plant-based diet is ideal for losing weight and keeping it off.
High in Water
Water is essential for all human bodily systems, including heart health, digestion, and the formation and maintenance of healthy blood. Water also helps you feel full. Compare 12 grapes to 12 raisins and you will see why fresh fruits and vegetables can be an excellent part of any eating plan, especially one designed to help you lose weight.
Prevents and Can Reverse Chronic Disease
A plant-based diet has been associated with preventing a wide range of diseases, including particular forms of cancer, such as breast, colon and prostate.
Studies have shown that those with high cholesterol, heart health issues, diabetes and more can actually often reverse their condition if they start eating more plant-based foods.
Good for Animals
Vegetarianism means fewer animals killed for food, and veganism means fewer animals killed or exploited. Modern factory farming methods are among the cruelest imaginable. Saying no to meat and animals products means saying no to the barbaric greed of the food industry.
These are just a few of the many reason why a plant-based diet is good for your health and great for animals and the planet as a whole, but worth thinking about when you decide to give up meat.
