Should You Try a Plant-Based Diet?

We all know that foods and vegetables provide us with health and nutrients good for the body. They are considered to be the better option compared to meat, poultry and processed food.  As more people try to eat healthier, is a plant-based diet the best option for you?

What is a Plant-Based Diet?

There is quite a confusion between a plant-based diet to being vegan or being a vegetarian. For some, plant-based diets means that they entirely consume plants alone. For some, a plant-diet means that food consumed is mostly plants but with occasional intake of fish, meat, poultry and dairy too.

The main idea with a plant-based diet is that the central part of your meals come from food derived from plants. This is not limited to fruits and vegetables alone. A plant-based diet may also include whole grains, legumes, seeds, oils, nuts, and beans. You can still enjoy meat and dairy even while on a plant-based diet.

Eating more whole plant foods and reducing the intake of animal products is the best description for a plant-based diet.

What Do You Eat on a Plant-Based Diet?

Here are some of the food recommendations that you can consider if you decide to go for a plant-based diet.

– Legumes. This includes beans, chickpeas, peas and lentils. This food group provides the body with protein and essential amino acids needed by the body.

– Leafy green and cruciferous vegetables. Calcium and other minerals and nutrients can be derived from this food group.

– Whole grains are also included in the plant-based diet. It provides essential amino acids, iron and zinc to the body.

– Different fruits and vegetables. Maximize eating different types of fruits and vegetables to enjoy a mix of various minerals and phytonutrients.

What Are the Advantages of a Plant-Based Diet?

Plant-based dietary options are here to stay.

It offers plenty of benefits for your health and overall well-being which is one of the many reasons why you should try it. But what are the other advantages of a plant-based diet? You can take a look at some of the common ones below. 

Plant-Based Diet Lowers Blood Pressure

Health issues like high blood pressure can be reduced when you control and choose what you eat.  A lot of studies showed that eating plant-based food can help reduce high blood pressure alongside the diseases caused by it such as diabetes, heart diseases and stroke.

It Keeps the Heart Healthy

Unlike meat that contains saturated fat, there is little or no fat found in a plant-based diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Taking in healthy oils, such as the ones that come from legumes, is much better than refined grains and sugary drinks.

Reduces Carbon Footprint

We all know how damaging mother nature is. Switching to a plant-based diet can help reduce the negative impacts that food production can have on the environment.

Sustainable eating habits also helps in reducing the production of greenhouse gases. The process of producing plant-based foods also creates less impact to the environment compared to raising meat and poultry.

Improves Kidney Function

Large consumption of meat and poultry has its negative effects on the body. It is often linked to the increased risk of developing diabetes and kidney diseases.

A plant-based diet can help reduce both and may reverse the effects of Type 2 Diabetes. Some studies even show that opting for a plant-based diet can minimize the mortality rates among individuals with kidney diseases.

Improves Gut Health

A plant-based diet helps improve overall health. Having more fruits and vegetables in your diet improves metabolism, keeps the immune system strong, and promotes healthy bowel movements. Regulating the production of different types of hormones in the body is much easier with this type of diet.

There are plenty other reasons why you should consider trying a plant-based diet. It can reduce arthritis pain, improve athletic performance and generally makes you feel good about yourself.

On top of the health benefits it offers, it is also more affordable to sustain a plant-based diet compared to a more meaty and protein based one. If you are seeking for a healthier diet option that may help reduce weight and keep you healthy, while enjoying  flavorful and delicious dining experience, you can explore this particular type of dining lifestyle.