Ethical and Healthful: The Benefits of Following a Plant-Based Diet Plan

There has been a lot of talk recently about how a plant-based diet is good not only for your health but is also a great way to help the environment. But switching from a meat inclusive lifestyle to a vegetarian or even a vegan one can seem tricky. However, with the rise of farm to fork establishments and plenty of options at your local grocery store, it is easier than ever.

Here are some of the best reasons to move toward a vegetarian lifestyle and how to create a plant-based diet plan.

Healthy Hearts

fruit-salad-fresh-heart-bowlThere has been a lot of research done on whether or not being a vagetarian actually lowers the risk of heart disease. According to a study conducted by the University of Oxford, those who eat a predominantly vegetarian diet have a 22% lower chance of developing heart conditions than those who ate meat.

And while they did find there to be a slight increase of having a stroke. However, it is believed to be from the lack of certain B vitamins in meat. Taking daily supplements should counteract those risks.

Lower Diabetes Risk

diabetes-disease-healthPeople who eat vegetarian food on a regular basis have been shown to have a lower risk of developing diabetes. They also are shown to have higher insulin sensitivity, which helps to regulate your blood sugar. And it turns out you can reap these benefits no matter what your BMI is.

There is also some evidence that a plant-based diet can help treat the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. So, why not give it a shot?

It’s Better For the Environment

trees-hill-green-blue-nature-parkThe farming industry has been shown to be bad for the environment. From deforestation for using the land to raise cattle to the use of fossil fuels to power farm equipment, there is a lot of ways cattle and chicken farms do to damage the environment.

By cutting back on the number of cattle ranches and chicken farms, we lower the negative effects of farming on the environment. If we switched to a more plant-based diet we could feed more people using less land which is a definite plus.

It Can Lower Your Risk of Cancer

pink-ribbonEating too much red meat has been linked to colon cancer, which unless caught early, is particularly deadly. By eating more fruits and vegetables can help you lower a lower risk of developing this particularly deadly cancer.

Not only that but plants and whole grains have what is called phytochemicals which helps to fight and prevent all sorts of diseases, which happen to include cancer. To live a longer, healthier, cancer-free life, you should try to create a plant-based diet plan into your weekly menus.

How To Create A Plant-Based Diet Plan

plant-basedWhile it may seem daunting at first, creating a plant-based diet plan is actually much easier than you think. Add a little spinach or tomatoes to your egg in the morning. Seek out meat alternatives at the store or simply swap out a meat-based meal with a salad one night a week.
For more helpful health tips, check out the rest of our blog. It is dedicated to helping you live a healthier, longer life.