A plant based diet, also known as veganism, refers to a diet that excludes not only all meat and fish products but all animal by-products including eggs, dairy, and honey. Plant based eaters rely on large consumptions of a variety of vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts and soy to fulfill their body’s nutritional needs.
The popularity of plant based eating has gained momentum over the past few years from an increased awareness of the environmental , ethical, and health related issues associated with eating animals. As we seek healthier ways of daily living, a plant based diet can provide many potential health benefits. Here are 3 positive benefits of changing to the plant based lifestyle.
- Prevention and/or management of chronic illness including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Research suggests that individuals following vegan and/or vegetarian diets have a lower risk of developing chronic inflammatory diseases as these diets correspond with the consumption of higher amounts of antioxidants, micronutrients, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals.
- Aids in healthy weight management. Vegan diets are associated with a lower prevalence of obesity as they are nutrient dense and associated with healthier food choices.
- Aids in reducing and maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Due to lack of meat and dairy consumption, vegans/ plant-based eaters naturally have a lowered intake of saturated fat and cholesterol in their daily diet, lowering their risk of these type of health issues.
This Gal Cooks 