Benefits of A Plant-Based Diet

 Plant-based foods are getting more and more popular nowadays, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they more delicious, but they’re also better for the environment, your body, and even your wallet! Whether you’re already a die-hard vegan or just thinking about cutting back on meat, you’ll find the following benefits of plant-based foods to be plenty convincing. Read on to learn how these plant-based health benefits can influence your life.

1.   A plant-based diet can help you lose weight

Because veggies are super low in calories and dense in nutrients, you can eat a lot for very few calories. The vegetables also help you feel full and satisfied, so you’re less likely to overeat at meals. One study found that a plant-based diet helped people lose 15% more weight than those on an animal-based diet.

2.     A plant-based diet can give you more energy

Eating meat can be taxing on your digestive system. When you eat meat, you’re consuming a lot of protein and fat that requires a lot of energy to digest. This can stress your body, which leaves less energy for other body processes. A plant-based diet provides more easily digested nutrients and doesn’t leave you with such an energy deficit at the end of the day. In addition, plants contain lots of complex carbs, which release energy slowly, keeping your energy steady throughout the day.

3.     A plant-based diet will save your wallet and the planet

Making plant-based foods a regular part of your diet is more affordable and eco-friendly than you think. By choosing produce and whole grains over meat-based foods, you can slash your grocery bill while simultaneously decreasing your carbon footprint.

4.     Promotes cardiovascular health

Eating a diet rich in plant-based foods helps promote heart health since these food sources contain zero cholesterol and are naturally low in saturated fat. Even if you are not solely on plant-based foods, adding more fresh fruits and veggies to your plate (as well as beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds) can help boost your heart health. Aim for at least two portions of fruit and three servings of vegetables each day.

5.     It may prevent cancer

Research shows that meat and dairy consumption increases cancer risk, whereas eating more plants may reduce your risk. And a vegetarian diet may be even better for cancer prevention than just reducing meat and dairy consumption. One study found that among those with colorectal cancer, people who ate a Mediterranean diet (which includes legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil) lowered their chance of recurrence by 42%—compared to 21% in those who didn’t eat these foods.

6.   Promotes body detoxification

The number one benefit of plant-based foods is that they promote body detoxification. Plants contain various nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with natural cleansing powers that promote the elimination of waste and other toxins in the body. This promotes optimum bodily functions.

Final

It’s hard to imagine that something as small as food could have such a significant impact on your health, but the truth is that plants are one of the greatest benefits you can provide your body with when it comes to health and wellbeing.

Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, promote heart health, enhance weight loss, promote energy, or promote body detoxification, a plant-based diet could be all you need.