(Newswire.net — March 21, 2023) —
Eating a plant-based diet is becoming increasingly popular as more people seek ways to improve their health and well-being. Expert Gregory Burbelo in Baltimore City, Maryland, says a plant-based diet can include fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds and excludes meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Research has shown numerous benefits to a plant-based diet, such as improved heart health and increased energy levels. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits in further detail.
What Does It Mean To Be Plant-Based?
Gregory Burbelo says before we can explore all the benefits of being on a plant-based diet, it’s essential to define what it means to be “plant-based.” Being plant-based means consuming mainly unprocessed or minimally processed foods from plants such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. A plant-based diet excludes animal products such as meat, dairy, or eggs. Some plant-based diets allow for limited amounts of fish or poultry, but this is not always the case.
Improved Heart Health
The American Heart Association recommends eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, all staples of a plant-based diet. Eating these foods daily can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure and help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels, lowering your heart disease risk. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, eating a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 20 percent compared to those who consume meat regularly.
Reduced Risk Of Chronic Diseases
Gregory Burbelo says a plant-based diet can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This is because plants are rich in antioxidants and other essential compounds that can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, plants are high in fiber, which helps reduce inflammation and can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. Finally, plants contain phytochemicals that can help to prevent cancer cells from forming or growing.
Weight Loss
Eating a plant-based diet also promotes weight loss because it is typically lower in calories than diets that include animal products. Furthermore, when focusing on nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables, you will feel fuller faster due to the high water content, which reduces the chances of overeating or binging later in the day. Additionally, including beans in your meals increases satiety due to their high protein content and low-calorie count, making them ideal for those trying to lose weight.
Improved Digestive Health
A well-balanced plant-based diet is full of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health by providing essential nutrients for beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome, thus improving digestion and reducing inflammation throughout the body. Furthermore, research has shown that consuming more dietary fiber helps reduce constipation problems by adding bulk to stools which makes them easier to pass through the intestines. A good rule of thumb is that adults should aim for at least 25g – 30g per day while children should get around 19g – 24g per day depending on age range. For example, one cup of black beans contains 15 grams of dietary fiber, which meets half an adult’s daily requirement, so it’s easy enough to get enough fiber through food sources if you plan correctly.
Environmental Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet
In addition to its positive effects on our health, following a plant-based diet can also have substantial environmental benefits. Eating more plants requires less energy than raising animals for food which helps conserve natural resources like land and water. Additionally, eating fewer animal products reduces carbon emissions from factory farming practices which helps fight climate change by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, buying produce locally helps support local farmers and create jobs in your community!
Nutrition Benefits
Gregory Burbelo says not only can go plant-based be beneficial for your physical health, but it may also provide many nutritional benefits. A well-rounded vegan or vegetarian diet typically contains more vitamins and minerals than an omnivorous one because it eliminates certain food groups (like dairy) lacking essential nutrients. Plus, with all the variety available within the realm of plant foods—such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds—it’s easy to find plenty of nutrient-rich options that suit your taste buds too!
Conclusion:
Overall, many benefits are associated with a plant-based diet, including improved heart health, weight loss, digestive health, increased energy levels, better sleep quality, reduced risk of cancer, reduced inflammation throughout the body, etc. Despite its many benefits, it is crucial not to forget how important it is to supplement vitamins B12, D3, iron & zinc if needed. Eating this way can drastically improve your overall well-being; however, if done incorrectly, it could lead to nutritional deficiencies, so always consult your doctor before starting any new diet plan. With proper planning, a healthy lifestyle full of nutritious meals can be made possible when following this way of eating. So don’t be afraid to give it a try! You won’t regret it!