When people tell you that a plant-based diet is good for you, they’re not lying. The science holds true that organic and natural foods in your diet can reduce your risk of several health conditions.
The Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health recommends a lot of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and healthy oils. Not only do foods like these reduce your susceptibility to heart-related medical conditions, they’re also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Plant-based whole foods also help lower your blood pressure, cut bad cholesterol, reduce the risk of diabetes, ad help you maintain a healthy weight.
However not all plants are universally good for you of course; you need to pick the right ones for your needs. For instance, most white rice and bread is sold in a highly processed state, which desaturates some of its essential nutrients. They can also have a high glycemic index, raising you blood sugar and causing you to overeat. The same goes for processed fruit juices and canned goods.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology analysed three different types of plant-based diets and their corresponding risk of heart disease. The first group was a mostly plant-based diet that only reduced animal food intake, like dairy, eggs, fish, and meat. The second group was composed of people only following a plant-based diet including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and healthy oils. The third group was an unhealthy plant diet, with packaged juices and canned fruit, refined grain like rice and pasta, and other similar products.
Unsurprisingly, they found the second group of healthy plant-eaters to be have the best heart conditions overall. They were also leaner and had more energy than other groups.
In fact, a whole foods plant-based diet is high in fiber, so it aids in weight when you’re trying to get into shape and get healthier. Another study from 2016 showed that healthier plants in your diet means you’ll shed pounds faster, the test subjects averaging around 2kg over 18 weeks, significantly more than other diets.
Plant-based diets have also been shown to reduce the risk of both gastrointestinal cancer and colorectal cancer in adults. And more recent research has indicated a healthy green diet can also help slow the decline of cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients.
There are umpteen benefits to taking up the Start Right challenge and WFPB diets. Not only will it help you keep in shape and make you more active, it’s also the best way to keep future ailments at bay. So, what are you waiting for?
