Let me preface this by saying that I am not a vegetarian, nor am I vegan. Since I began having gut issues with my current way of eating, I decided to incorporate a more “plant focused” way of eating. This has done wonders for my digestion!
Plant-based diets have been linked to a number of health benefits, including weight loss, increased metabolism, and better heart health.
A plant-based meal is packed with vigorous, healthy and ever-essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are responsible for improving your health.
Here are some other benefits of a plant-based diet.
Improves Blood Pressure
Animal-based diets have been linked to higher blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease due to the high fat and salt content. A plant-based diet is low fat and low calorie, but higher in potassium. This may help lower blood pressure. Potassium also reduces the onset of stress and anxiety, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Lowers cholesterol
Did you know that cholesterol is naturally made by your body but is increased through our diet?
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, high blood cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Dietary cholesterol is found in meat, poultry, eggs and regular dairy products. It has less impact on blood cholesterol than foods with saturated and trans fat.
Foods containing saturated fat include processed foods, fatty meats, full-fat milk products, butter and lard. Foods containing trans fat include partially hydrogenated margarines, deep-fried foods and many packaged crackers, cookies and commercially baked products.
Oh my!
It stands to reason that eating a high fat diet is linked with high cholesterol and this can have a negative impact on your health.
Switching to a healthier plant-based diet may significantly reduce your body’s cholesterol levels. A plant-based diet of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds contains little to no cholesterol and has been shown to drastically improve heart health and performance.
Balances blood sugar
Sustained high blood sugar is harmful and can aggravate your cravings for sugar-loaded meals. High blood sugar may also cause a deterioration in blood circulation and heart and liver function. Animal-based diets can exacerbate your blood sugar and impede the proper functioning of your organs. Plant-based diets, on the other hand, have been shown to help reduce high blood sugar levels and manage appetite by slowing the absorption of sugar in your bloodstream.
Reduces risk of cancer
Recent studies have suggested that high levels of accumulated proteins may lead to the development of carcinogens (cancerous cells) in your body. An all natural, whole-food, and low-fat diet may help substantially reduce your risk of cancer.
Promotes weight loss
Plant-based diets can be extremely effective in reducing and managing weight. Clean, whole and raw foods increase your body’s metabolism and ability to build healthy tissue. Plant-based diets are comprised of minerals, fibers, and vitamins that your body needs to shed weight and function at its peak. The healthy components of a plant-based diet provide your body with the nutrients it craves, helping to satiate the desire for protein-heavy meals loaded with sugar and fat.
Speaking of sugar … don’t forget to register for my upcoming webinar, Sugar, Not So Sweet! How Sugar Affects Your Hormones and Health which will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern!
Check out this link to learn all about this info-packed webinar!
Yours in health and wellness,
Francine Alleyne (RHNP™)
Holistic Nutritionist, Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner™
Email: fran@francinealleyne.com
Website: http://www.midlifehealthy.com
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DISCLAIMER: Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing any symptoms. I am not a doctor. This post and anything else you find on my website is intended for informational, educational and self-empowerment purposes ONLY and is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition or disease.