Change to a Plant-Based Diet to Improve Health

If you’re looking to improve your health, a plant-based diet may be the answer. A plant-based diet is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and low in saturated fat. Studies have shown that a plant-based diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Plus, a plant-based diet is easier on the environment than a meat-based diet. So why not give it a try? You may be surprised at how good you feel!

Most of us grew up consuming meat and other meat products, like dairy and honey, without knowing that we don’t have to do so to survive. I bet some of you didn’t know that you can opt for a plant-based diet that’s healthier, more sustainable than the typical Western diet. Let’s talk about a plant-based diet!

If you’re worried that you may be too late to become part of this fantastic undertaking, I’m here to assure you that you’re not. Switching to a plant-based diet is excellent for everyone, especially if you want to try a vegan diet to improve your health. It’s easy, environmentally friendly, ethical, and incredibly healthy!

 

What does it mean to switch to a plant-based diet?

When I say “switch to a plant-based diet,” I mean to give up meat products, dairy, and honey entirely and to consume only plant-based products. This is a branch of the larger discipline of veganism, which revokes all forms of animal abuse and exploitation (for human consumption, clothing, hobby, entertainment, etc.). 

In this case, we’re only going to be looking at the aspect of veganism that relates to excluding animal products for human consumption. The goal is to eliminate any meat products, such as dairy (cheese, milk, butter, etc.), honey, and any animal meat, from your daily diet and replace them with plant-based alternatives. That doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

 

Why should you go vegan?

If you’re having a tough time deciding whether or not to go all the way with switching to a plant-based diet, maybe this small list of why you should go vegan can help you. Switching to a plant-based diet might be more fantastic than you initially thought. Many studies through the years give us strong evidence as to the benefits of plant-based foods on our overall health. In fact, the Blue Zones study continues to show amazing benefits to certain groups practicing a plant-based or almost plant-based diet.

 

• You’re helping the environment.

 

I’m sure you’ve noticed that we have enough on our plates regarding environmental issues. So, if you wish to help, perhaps consider replacing your meaty diet with a more environmentally friendly, plant-based diet?

Meat production has been taking a toll on our environment. We see that from the unethical practice of disposing of animal wastes in our waters, usage of crops and water needed to keep these animals, and the pollution from transporting them. The agribusiness industry is responsible for many cases of deforestation, animal extinction, and habitat loss. 

By devoting yourself to a plant-based diet, you get to reject the unethical practices perpetuated by the agribusiness industry and, consequently, help the environment.

 

• It’s appropriate for all ages.

There’s no perfect age to get into the wave of veganism. A plant-based diet is for everyone, including you, your nan or pops, or even your young kids or toddlers. Thus, if you’re worried about being too early or too late to commit to a plant-based diet, you’re not.

For those of you who have babies or toddlers, consider what the experts advise. Many nutritionists say that you can begin feeding them vegan alternatives to baby food once your baby starts eating solid foods. Some of the typical vegan baby foods you can provide for them are pureed tofu, mashed beans, soy yogurt, etc.

So, whether you’re six or sixty, don’t be afraid to switch to a plant-based diet. You’ve joined the movement at just the right time!

 

 

 

• You’re supporting the advocacy of weakening animal cruelty in agribusiness.

For decades, agribusiness has been proven guilty of animal cruelty and exploitation in the name of profit. Many animal-life advocates go for a plant-based diet to reject and weaken the grip of the agribusiness industry on us, humans, and animals. This is one of the reasons why many go vegan, aside from the health concerns associated with consuming meat.

By committing to a plant-based diet, you get to take care of your health while advocating for the health and lives of many animals on Earth. That’s hitting two birds in one stone!

 

• You have many great options for food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No, plant-based doesn’t mean eating only green salads. In fact, you will find so many new foods, as well as ways to remake your non-vegan favorites, that you might feel excited to start cooking again.

But, consider this. Many foods you already enjoy are vegan. Corn on the cob? Watermelon? Baked potato? Spaghetti? Yes! Those are all vegan, at least until you add butter, meat balls, and other foods. However, we share with you ideas for making those same foods without the non-vegan additions. And they taste great!

It’s true. A plant-based diet doesn’t mean you don’t get to enjoy the fun of eating good, tasty food. After all, vegan foods are not all just leaves and greens. Nowadays, you can find vegan alternatives to meat and dairy products. 

You can have vegan chicken breasts, vegan steak and other meats, plant-based milk (my recommendation: almond milk!), vegan cheese, and other dairy products. Whatever vegan alternative comes in your head, you can probably get it! Oh, and have I mentioned that vegan foods are incredibly delicious, too?

So stop worrying about having to eat only “boring” foods and start eating plant-based!

 

• You’re reaping the fantastic health benefits of veganism.

Switching to a plant-based diet is incredibly good for your health, thanks to the nutrients you can get from plants, vegetables, fruits, and other vegan foods. A lot of plant-based foods contain excellent nutrients which are highly beneficial several to your health.

What health benefits can you get, you ask? Read on.

 

What are the health benefits of going vegan?

Possibly the best thing about going vegan or transitioning to a plant-based diet – the health benefits. Yes, you get to reap the fantastic benefit that is improved health. Some of these you may notice within a few days. Others might not show for a longer time.

Here are some of the health benefits you can obtain from consuming a plant-based diet.

 

• Lower risks of cancer

This isn’t fake news. Committing to a plant-based diet can reduce the risks of getting different types of cancers, all thanks to the phytochemicals produced by plants. Phytochemicals are anti-inflammatory and are powerful enough to protect us from cell damage.

Cell damage is linked to cancer, so this is what we should avoid by consuming foods rich in phytochemicals. These plant chemicals aid in blocking potential cancer-causing substances from forming and tearing into the cells. For people already battling cancer, phytochemicals can help your body slow down the growth rate of a number of cancer cells. 

By consuming plant-based diets religiously, you get to do your cells a favor and protect them from damage that causes some types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer.

 

• Improved heart health

 

Many plant-based foods contain essential nutrients that are highly beneficial in preventing and minimizing complications of heart diseases. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and vegan foods that contain less saturated fats are excellent in aiding the proper maintenance of cholesterol levels in the body. Additionally, these foods can help lower high blood pressure, resulting in reduced risks of a heart attack.

Studies show that risks of dying due to heart diseases are 42% less for vegans, while the dangers of high blood pressure are lower by 75%. A plant-based diet is also great if you need to maintain your blood sugar level. All of these combined will give you a diet that’s excellent for keeping your heart healthy.

 

• Effortless weight loss 

Plant-based alternatives are simply much more reliable for people who are trying to lose weight. Meat and other meat products are undeniably high in fats (the kind that your body hates). Thus, switching to a plant-based diet, in which you can get as much dietary fiber as you can, is the way to go. 

Many studies would tell you that a vegan diet is more effective than a meat-based or vegetarian diet in reducing body fats. This is based on multiple experiments done on random controlled groups. In fact, plant-based foods have more fiber and fewer calories. Thus, a vegan diet promotes weight loss better than other diets used to compare against the former.

• Increased Energy and Feeling Better

That’s right. With a balanced plant-based diet, you will feel more energetic. This is due to the increased addition of micronutrients, as well as the better digestibility of plant foods.Plant foods literally lighten your load by being much easier to digest. And that helps you release excess weight, too.

• Reduced risks of type-2 diabetes

Suppose you have diabetes and are looking for a diet that will suit your needs and help you maintain a good shape. Consider what this diet offers you. Health professionals commonly recommend plant-based diets when they talk about the prevention and management of type-2 diabetes. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and other plant-based foods contain less saturated fats than meat-based food products. 

What these unhealthy fats do is form a build-up in our cells, which blocks the ability of the insulin to push out sugar or glucose through our bloodstream. Eventually, this can lead to diabetes. A plant-based diet helps. It lessens our saturated fat intake and helping insulin to perform its full function.

 

• Better kidney function

People with reduced kidney function can benefit significantly from committing to a plant-based diet. 

Acid can build up in your blood when you have a kidney illness. This acid load can exacerbate kidney damage, which is something we wish to avoid. Eating less animal-based meals or switching to a plant-based diet may help to decrease the acid load on your kidneys, too. This then helps reduce the amount of stress placed on them.

It’s never too late to start eating plant-based foods. It doesn’t matter if you want to go all the way on your first try. Maybe you want to transition to it slowly. What matters is that you’re doing it correctly and with your whole heart.

The transition from an animal-based to a plant-based diet will be challenging at first; I won’t lie. But with consistency, determination, and desire to stick to your goal of improving your health, you can do so with grace!

 

Try changing to a plant-based diet to improve health

If you’re looking for a way to improve your health, whether you’re young or old, veganism is a great choice. It helps people of all ages, it’s good for the animals, and it benefits our environment. And as if that weren’t enough reason to try it out, there are plenty of delicious recipes included in Vegan Globetrotter that will make your taste buds happy too. So what are you waiting for? Give veganism a try today! Have you tried any of the recipes from Vegan Globetrotter? What was your favorite?

 

 

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