5 Health Benefits Of Eating A Plant-based Diet

Over the years, research has shown that there are perks of eating plants and cutting back on meat. A study states that plant-based diets have become mainstream and increasingly dietitians and nutritionists are recommending people to take it up.

With the likes of Tom Brady and Beyoncé embracing this way of life, one might wonder what attracts people to this diet. The reason is simple: whether you are an environmental advocate or want to live a healthy life, a plant-based diet is highly compelling to follow. Here are five health benefits of plant-based diets:

Lowers Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure can increase the chances of illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. But, having a plant-based diet can make a huge difference.

Several studies have reported that having a plant-based diet can reduce blood pressure and reduce the risk of above mentioned conditions. It also explored the idea that a vegetarian diet on average was better than omnivorous diets as it lowered blood pressure levels.

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Keeps Your Heart Healthy

Meat consists of saturated fat which can cause heart issues when eaten excessively. So by cutting back on meat and eating plant-based foods, you can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

A research paper published in the Journal of the American Heart Association stated that plant-based diets reduce the risk of heart disease by 16% and death due to this condition by around 30%.

Helps Prevent of Type 2 Diabetes

It is known that there is a connection between diet and type 2 diabetes. Having more fatty tissues makes the cells more resistant to insulin.

A study found that eating a plant-based diet filled with high-quality plant foods can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 34%. According to the American Diabetes Association, plants are lower in saturated fats than meat, which increases cholesterol levels and the chance of getting type 2 diabetes.

Helps Losing Weight

When you swap a meat-heavy diet with a plant-based one, weight loss can occur. The risk of obesity also decreases. According to a study, there was a substantial difference between the body mass index (BMI) of non-meat eaters and meat eaters. The mean BMI for vegetarians was 23.6, while for non-vegetarians it was 28.8, which qualifies as overweight.

One reason for weight loss is that whole grains and vegetables are lower on the glycemic index, and are digested slowly which prolongs fullness.

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Decrease Risk Of Cancer

The American Institute of Cancer Research says that the best way to source cancer-protective nutrients such as fibre, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals, is to eat a diet rich in beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables.

However, a review published in Cancer Management and Research notes that the benefits are moderate as it reduces certain cancers by about 10%, still promoting a healthy weight is important to fight off potential tumours.

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