The coronavirus pandemic has surely made many of us rethink our daily habits. Could your diet be worth a second look too?
If you want to switch things up, adopting a vegetarian diet- that is, cutting down on meat, though not essentially eliminating it- could be the perfect way to be healthy and add a few more years to your lifespan. It is one of the most popular diets these days and an eating approach to consider!
For years now, registered dieticians and food scientists have insisted upon taking a vegetarian diet, getting us familiar with its perks!
Now, what exactly does a vegetarian diet mean? There are times when people confuse vegetarianism with veganism. Though, there is hardly any difference between them but, vegans do not intake any kind of animal product be it eggs or milk! But, here we are talking about a vegetarian diet being rich in plant-based fiber.
There is a fairly good chance that this isn’t the first time you have heard about plant-based eating. But, can it help bolster your immune system, trim your waistline, and save your money?
Turns out, the hype is legit. And now, during a global pandemic, it’s the ideal time to make this change! Bonus! There is no need to count the calorie intake and worry about hitting a certain macronutrient goal each day!
It is also said to be popular among celebrities like Beyoncé and Tom Brady. Everybody has embraced this way of eating!
Plant-based or plant-forward eating patterns focus on foods primarily from plants. Diets rich in plant fiber, not only includes fruits and vegetables but also consists of legumes, oils, whole grains, beans, and nuts. It points out avoiding animal products and dairy. Rather, you proportionately increase the intake of plant-sourced food.
The Mediterranean and vegetarian diets are examined to have a foundation of plant-based eating patterns with fish, poultry, cheese, eggs, and yogurt, seldom a week, with no or little meat and sweets!
So, here are few reasons why your diet should be prolific in plant-based fiber-
Plant-based diets are incredibly nutritious and a great source of protein!
Plant-based diets are packed with roughage, rich in vitamins and minerals , and other essential nutrients our body needs. A plant-based menu is rich in an essential vitamin called B-12, which makes it nutritious to follow this eating pattern.
Plant-based diets are a great source of protein. Complete protein sources are very rare in the plant kingdom. But, seeds like quinoa, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are an incredible source of protein!
Reduces your risk of heart diseases
Heart diseases are one of the most common causes of death worldwide!
Interestingly, eating plant-based diets can reduce the risk of you falling into the trap of heart diseases.
One of the major reasons for an ailing heart is obesity. Swapping your meat-based diet with a plant-based diet has been shown helpful in losing weight and a few inches.
Additionally, studies have shown that plant seeds and oils help control blood pressure, decrease the risk of blood clot formation and even rapidly increase the health risks of a person suffering from a heart attack!
Aids digestion and improves metabolism
Fiber is one of the main components of a healthy diet and the key to better digestion.
Plant-based diets contain enough amount of both insoluble and soluble fiber. Fiber or roughage helps food and waste pass through our gut easily, improving our metabolism.
May reduce symptoms of PMS and Menopause
Up to 80% of women of reproductive age are reported to experience physical and emotional symptoms caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Following a plant-based diet seeks a lot of plus points. It increases the level of iron intake and protein makes a woman strong and gives energy.
It decreases all matters like breast tenderness and pain, irritability, depression, and fluid retention associated with PMS, periods, and even at the age of menopause!
The exact process is unknown but, GLA or Gamma linolenic acid present in seeds and leaves of the plants are said to regulate the hormonal imbalances and inflammation caused to sensitivity to another hormone called prolactin.
Plant-based seeds and oils are good for your skin too
Plant-based diets contain fatty acids that can affect immune responses in your body. Studies suggest that the response of the immune system depends upon omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seeds and chia seeds are a very good source of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids. The optimal range of omega-6 to omega-3 is 3:1, which is very much available through eating more proportions of plant-based fiber in your menu.
Studies have shown that giving oils extracted from the seed of nutritious plants like hemp and rosemary to people suffering from eczema may reduce redness, itchiness, and dryness of the skin.
Prevents type-2 diabetes and keeps cholesterol in check
It is a well-established fact that there is a link between obesity and type-2 diabetes. According to Mayo Clinic, weight is a major risk factor as more fatty tissues make cells more resistant to insulin. But, which type of diet can keep type-2 diabetes in check? Doctors recommend a diet rich in plant-based fiber. It is because plants have fewer levels of saturated fats than meat, which increases your cholesterol and leaves you at the threshold of developing type-2 diabetes!
Following a plant-based diet, long-term may help you live longer!
All the above-mentioned points roll into a major one- living longer. The Journal of the American Heart Association study found out that a plant-a based diet reduces the risk of all causes of mortality by 25 percent! Though many factors would contribute to an increased lifetime, adopting a plant-based diet is one you can follow! The more fruits and vegetables you eat, the lesser the toxin level buildup in your body, the better! It keeps your immunity strong which facilitates more Healthy years!
However, plant-based diets have just recently become popular in the West. But, it is the staple eating pattern in many eastern societies and can provide high nutritional value. Nonetheless, it is economical and nature-friendly at the same time. Incorporating a plant-based diet not only saves your money but also prevents innocent animals from getting slaughtered brutally, conserving nature and avoiding an imbalanced ecosystem!
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