A plant-based diet is considered the healthiest, with benefits beyond weight loss. Nutritionists and registered dietitians have communicated the benefits of cutting or eliminating meat and eating plants. Society is beginning to understand better the perks, and food manufacturers are now offering more plant-based options than ever. The education from the scientific and nutrition community to the average consumer has highlighted the well-researched advantages backed by scientific evidence and data.

Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of a plant-based diet if you’re considering making this lifestyle change!

Why Plant-Based?

There are many reasons to switch to a plant-based diet, including the following. It is important to note that these medical benefits are based on still eating healthy. You can consume plant-based products but still eat unhealthy foods.

Decreased Risk of Cancer

Research suggests a plant-based diet could decrease cancer risk by consuming more cancer-protective nutrients, such as phytochemicals, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Also, this lifestyle promotes a healthier weight, further protecting cancer survivors.

Help Lose Weight

The risk of obesity drastically decreases when swapping a meat-heavy lifestyle for a plant-based diet. While weight loss may not always be the goal, plant eaters tend to weigh less because less fatty, healthier options replace certain foods. According to a study by Diabetes Care, researchers found that the mean body mass index for non-vegetarians was 28.8, considered overweight, and 23.6 for vegans.

Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can increase health issues, including type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Luckily, following a healthy diet or implementing healthy eating can make a tremendous difference. Multiple studies found that a plant-based diet helps reduce blood pressure, thus reducing your overall risk for these medical situations. Thirty-nine studies concluded that those following vegetarian nutrition resulted in lower blood pressure than those following omnivorous eating. An additional study determined vegetarians have a 34% lower risk of developing high blood pressure than non-vegetarians.

Maintain Heart Healthiness

All meats are comprised of saturated fat, which contributes to heart problems when excessively consumed. Therefore, a Journal of the American Heart Association study found that when opting for plant-based nutrition, you can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 16% and die from this ailment by 31%. However, it’s important to note that meat isn’t the only factor; it’s about eating the right foods. To prevent this disease, it’s critical to consume anti-inflammatory foods found in a plant-based diet. These include fruits, tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, walnuts, whole grains, yellow vegetables, and green leafy vegetables.

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

It’s well-known in the medical and nutrition community that there’s a relationship between type 2 diabetes and diet. Weight is the greatest risk factor since a buildup of fatty tissue increases insulin resistance within cells. One study concluded that a plant-based diet with high-quality plants reduced the risk of developing this disease by 34%. The likely reason for this improvement is that plants contain less saturated fats than animal products, which increases cholesterol levels and contributes to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, a publication focused on diabetes treatment, determined that type 2 diabetes was prevalent in 7.6% of non-vegetarians compared to 2.9% of vegans.

These are some of the many benefits of following a plant-based diet. While this is a significant lifestyle change with adjustment time, the long-term health benefits are scientifically proven to be worth the switch. In addition, the transition may be easier with more recipes and products today than ever!

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