Plant-based diet emphasises on foods coming from the plants that may include veggies, fruits, whole grains, beans, seeds, and nuts, among others. The main focus of the diet is to reduce or limit the consumption of animal products. It doesn't imply that you will turn vegetarian or never consume meat or dairy products. It simply implies that you are proportionately selecting a bigger portion of your food from plant sources. Plant based diet offer several potential health benefits such as lesser risk of heart diseases, some specific cancer, and likelihood of developing diabetes.
Earlier, the Adventist Health Studies discovered vegetarians have approximately half risk of getting diabetes when compared with non-vegetarians. As per studies, plant-based diet with least or no amount of meat is likely to cure diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and bringing down resistance of insulin.
Benefits of Plant Based-Diet
The diet provides all the essential fats, carbs, vitamins, protein, and mineral essential for maintaining optimal health as the diet is quite higher in phytonutrients and fiber. Meanwhile, people consuming plant-based diet must add the supplement especially vitamin B12 to ensure that they get the necessary nutrients.
It leads to better weight management due to emphasis on nutrient-rich plant foods. The diet will offer better and stronger immunity. It is rich in mineral, vitamin, phytochemical, and anti-oxidant that will ultimately help you fight off diseases and infections.
Leading health education specialist Andrea Murray recommends eating plenty of whole grains, beans, veggies, nuts, fruits, and seeds. She added, “Just make sure that you're consuming as many plant foods as possible; that's really what the focus should be about.”
Environmental Benefits: The diet leads to lesser greenhouse gas emissions. There will be better use of land when a large population focuses on plant-based diet. It is because the diet can effectively free up a large portion of land used mainly for growing and grazing animals.
Precautions To Take While Consuming Plant-Based Diet
Plant-based diet may also cause nutritional challenges if it is not planned properly. You must have a sufficient intake of vitamin B12 as it is generally discovered in animal products. Meanwhile, it is significant to eat iron-rich plant-based food as non-heme iron from plants can not be absorbed with ease. You must also take good amount of Omega-3 fatty acids which is largely discovered in fatty fish. If you are not eating fish, you should obtain it from algae or any other plant-based food.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider or doctor with any questions you may have regarding your health, treatment options, or a medical condition.
