Multiple studies have shown that a plant-based diet is great for your body and also good for your mind. Many people think it’s similar to the vegetarian diet but they’re definitely some differences. Same thing with a vegan diet there are a few differences. Let’s delve more into this thing called the plant-based diet.
A plant-based diet consists of eating lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, pulses, salads and a lot of other great stuff like that. There are some animal products that can also be included in this diet like eggs, milk, cheese. Personally I would go moderate on these things. let’s look a little bit deeper into the benefits of a plant-based diet and how easy it is to follow it.
Your Body Will Love You
There are many health benefits associated with this diet. For starters, it comes with a lower risk of heart disease, provided your plant-based diet is rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. According to a 2017 study by The Journal of the American College of Cardiology, "adherence to a plant-based diet was associated with a lower risk of heart disease," although it noted that while not all plant-based foods are equally healthy, diets that didn’t include products with a high sugar content were the best. This is in addition to Harvard Medical School findings from 2012 on the consumption of red meat. Participants who ate mostly red meat "tended to die younger and to die more often from cardiovascular disease and cancer," which is another reason to start limiting the number of animal products in your diet.
A Plant Based Diet is Good for Your Brain
Two plant-based diets that have recently hit the headlines when it comes to helping aid brain function. Both the Mediterranean diet (made up of fruit, veg, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish and low in red meat and dairy) and the MIND diet (a tweak on the Med that prioritized green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, seafood, poultry and olive oil, but it eliminates red meat, anything processed and butter), came out on top for brain function and age-related cognitive decline.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that when looking at diet data from nearly 6000 adults, "greater adherence to the MedDiet and MIND diet was independently associated with better cognitive function and lower risk of cognitive impairment."
A Plant-Based Diet Is Not That Hard To Do
If you’re looking for protein, here are some vegetables that are high in protein.
Regarding protein, some foods and veggies high in protein are:
– broccoli
– almonds (I like to sprout them and snack on all day)
– kale
– spinach
– green leafy lettuce
– green peas
– zucchini
– & there are more
You can get calcium and zinc from beans, chickpeas, lentils, and dark greens, and you can find iron in nuts. If you’re looking for plant based proteins with amino acids, beans on toast, rice and peas, lentils and naan bread are simple meals that will help provide the amino acids you need.
It’s More Sociable Than Other Diets
If you like to eat out a lot you will find that many restaurants make it easy for someone on a plant-based diet. It’s also pretty much the same for someone who’s a vegetarian. The choices at restaurants are pretty abundant. it’s a little bit more challenging if you’re a vegan.
You’re Doing Great Things For The Environment
Help the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by implementing a plant-based diet. Every little bit helps, right? Do your part as well as enjoy the health benefits of implementing a plant-based diet. Best of luck!