6 benefits of plant-based
There is a lot of evidence to prove that a plant-based diet is beneficial. Eating a plant-based diet means focusing on consuming foods that are primarily derived from plants. This diet includes vegetables and fruits as well as whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.
However, a vegetarian diet does not mean that you should become a vegetarian and never eat any meat or dairy products again. It just means that you are consuming more plant foods and fewer dishes that contain animal products. One example of a plant-based diet is the Mediterranean diet. The essence of the Mediterranean diet is to eat plant foods with poultry, cheese, fish and yogurt. This diet also includes the occasional consumption of meat and sweets per week.
A plant-based diet can still provide your body with much-needed vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. It also provides a high amount of dietary fiber that aids digestion. Aside from being delicious, a vegetarian diet can bring many health benefits.
1. Reduce inflammation
Inflammation usually occurs as your body’s reaction when it detects a foreign agent such as invading bacteria, viruses, chemicals, or pollen. Your body tries to defend itself and, as a result, sends an army of white blood cells to fight off invaders or protect the affected area.
However, sometimes people suffer from chronic infections that become dangerous to public health. Diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can have major health consequences if not handled appropriately. You don’t necessarily need a pharmaceutical drug to control inflammation, and you can help reduce it with a proper diet.
Avoid or reduce foods that can cause inflammation in your body. These foods may include red meat, refined carbohydrates such as white bread, French fries, sodas, margarine, or other sweetened beverages. These foods can increase your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and excess inflammation.
Several studies reveal that different foods and drinks have anti-inflammatory effects. These foods include green leafy vegetables, walnuts, almonds, tomatoes, olive oil, and fatty fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon, and sardines. In addition, fruits such as oranges, cherries, strawberries, and blueberries also contain anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Eat more vitamin A
Vitamin A, retinol and retinoic acid help maintain good vision, growth, reproduction, cell division, and immunity. They can also protect your body from the effects of free radicals that result when food is broken down and exposure to tobacco products or radiation. Unfortunately, free radicals can increase the risk of cancer and heart disease. This is why it is essential to take the recommended dose of Vitamin A to protect your body from these free radicals.
Vitamin A can be found in your regular diet when you consume spinach and other vegetables rich in Vitamin A. However, sometimes your diet may not provide you with all the vitamin A you need.
So if you’re not getting the right amount of vitamin A every day, consider taking vitamin A in the form of a gum. It is very comfortable, easy to wear and comes in different attractive colors.
3. Discover new recipes
Vegetarian food can be very tasty. Mix different vegetables like broccoli, asparagus or zucchini and fry them in a frying pan. Make sure not to overcook it so it doesn’t get soft and wet. You can also boil other vegetables quickly to preserve their natural freshness and crispness.
A vegetarian diet is not just for your main dishes. You can also have non-meat dishes as appetizers and serve them with dips. For example, mix in lettuce, carrots, onions, and tomatoes and make a dip of guacamole, hummus, yogurt, or tahini. You will surely enjoy a meal of fresh vegetables with the right seasoning.
4. It can help lose weight
Eating plant foods can help people lose weight. They are rich in dietary fiber that can aid in digestion and make you feel full while providing the necessary nutrients. A plant-based diet can ensure that you get enough nutrients and calories even while trying to lose weight. It can give you healthier options than a diet of processed meats and fast food. In addition, plant-based food can help you fight infection.
5. It can help your brain
Many green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale and spinach are rich in folic acid, vitamin K, lutein and beta-carotene, which are known to be healthy nutrients for the brain. Several researchers also suggest that a plant-based diet can slow and reduce cognitive decline. In addition, eating walnuts, which are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, can also improve memory.
6. Possible prevention of cancer
Eating plant foods may help prevent cancer. For example, cruciferous vegetables, which are dark green vegetables, are a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, and K, folate, and fiber. In addition, they help in the formation of indoles and isothiocyanates that may have some anti-cancer effects. Examples of cruciferous vegetables include watercress, turnip, radish, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and bok choy.
Get healthy with plants
You don’t have to change your current diet right away. Instead, start by including half servings of vegetables in your meals and slowly increase your intake as you adjust to the diet. You can also include guacamole, nuts and fruits in your diet. Once a week, try a bowl of salad with fresh greens like spinach, celery, and kale, and mix it in with olive oil or vinegar.