A plant based diet involves consuming mostly or only on foods that come from plants. People understand and use the term plant based diet in different ways.
Some people interpret it as a vegan diet, which involves avoiding all animal products.
For others, a plant based diet means that plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, are the main focus of their diet, but they may, occasionally, consume meat, fish, or dairy products.
A plant based diet also focuses on healthful whole foods, rather than processed foods.
Why is a plant-based diet becoming popular?
Studies have shown that having plant-based foods will significantly lower the risks of cancer because of the diet being rich in fruits and vegetables and the consumption of red meat is lower.
Below are other benefits of following a plant-based diet:
1. Improves your mood
Studies say that having a diet packed with fresh produce increases your happiness levels. Eating broccoli and berries is good for your physical health and mental well-being too. A plant-based diet provides the necessary antioxidants that ward off inflammation. It also has phytochemicals that help to regulate chemicals in the brain that control your mood.
2. Aids in weight loss
This diet just has fresh produce, legumes, and grains and just having these will help you shed off that extra weight easily. Vegetarians on an average consume fewer calories when compared to meat-eaters, which helps them maintain a healthy weight. Plant-based foods allow you to feel fuller on fewer calories without adding plant-based oils and olive oil. Have foods which are rich in fibre like beans, fresh vegetables, and legumes.
3. Prevents chronic diseases
A diet which consists of fruits and vegetables can help prevent chronic diseases. Many studies have linked this diet to protection from diabetes and cancer because this diet is naturally low in saturated fat, low in sugar, and high in fibre than the processed and animal foods. That’s the reason why having this diet can help you to improve blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and lose weight.
4. Protects the heart
Keep your heart healthy with a helping of fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. And eating these foods will help lower your blood pressure. Studies have shown that going on a vegan diet can reduce the risk of heart diseases by up to one-third.
5. Promotes longevity and energy
Studies say that those who follow a plant-based diet may live longer years and the risk of death is lowered. This could be the reason of a high dietary intake of polyphenols which are found in fresh produce which is associated with longevity.
6. Lowers blood pressure
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure which can be lowered by incorporating a plant-based diet. Research shows that a diet which is rich in vegetables and fruits can actually work to significantly lower blood pressure. People who suffer from high blood pressure have an increased risk of having a stroke or developing heart disease.
