I am sure you have already heard about the health benefits of a plant-based diet and the negative effects that are brought by meat consumption. Nowadays, there are many people who gave up of meat and tell all the amazing things that will come to you if you quit meat as well. This makes many people switch to plant-based diets.
This happens due to many different reasons, but most often for losing weight, lowering the risk of heart disease, improving energy, etc.
If you want to know more about the benefits of plant-based diets, continue reading this article.
1. Losing some weight
The general obesity rate in vegetarians is much lower. However, the caloric intake in vegetarians and people who eat meat is similar, but the obesity rate is higher in people who eat meat. Additionally, the latter have the highest intake of fatty acids that are linked with heart disease and the lowers intake of beta carotene, magnesium, fiber, and plant proteins. The diet of vegetarians is beneficial for losing some pounds because it is low in fat, but rich in whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fruits.
2. Reduced body inflammation
Consuming meat, processed food, and cheese can lead to a spike of inflammation in your body. Animal fat paralyze the arteries and their ability to open in lowered. Also, the lungs are becoming inflamed. The continuous inflammation will lead to diabetes, autoimmune disease, heart disease and cancer. Diets that are inflammatory are plant-based diets, because they are based on antioxidants and plant fiber. Moreover, these diets include less compounds that trigger inflammation, such as endotoxins and saturated fat.
3. Lower cholesterol levels
Animal products that are high in saturated fat are poultry, cheese, red meat, and other animal products. This is the main cause for high cholesterol levels. They can pose a threat because are linked to a greater risk of stroke and heart disease. Studies have shown that vegetarians have lower risk of dying of heart disease. Moreover, it is scientifically proved that people who follow plant-based diets have lowered their cholesterol level by 35%. These diets are rich in fiber, which helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
4. The risk of developing type 2 Diabetes is lowered
Plant-based diet can prevent and cure diabetes. This is scientifically proven. Several studies show there is a strong correlation between a higher intake of animal protein and long term risk of developing diabetes. Animal based iron, animal fat, and nitrate preservatives present in meat hurt pancreatic cells, cause weight loss, worsen inflammation, and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.
5. You can avoid toxic food contaminants
Contaminants, such as antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, and hormones are present in animal protects and can cause numerous health problems. The consumption of contaminated meat is dangerous and can lead to food poisoning, symptoms like stomach cramps, organ failure and even death. If you turn to vegetarianism, you can be saved from dangerous viruses, parasites, and bacteria, but only if you eat fresh organic products.
6. You will have an influence on our Planet’s health
Being a vegetarian and choosing a plant-based diet can have a positive effect on the environment as well. Raising animals for food uses surprising 30% of the Earth’s land mass and 70% of the grain fed in America is given to animals. This food can be given to people. Moreover, up to 80% of the deforested land in Amazon is used at the moment as cattle posture. Comparing the resources used to produce one pound of animal protein and one pound of soy protein, it takes about 12 times as much land, 13 times as much fossil fuel and 15 times as much water. This means that changing your diet to a plant-based diet can help in saving water and other natural resources too, such as lowering the impact of rainforest devastation, pollution, and climate change.
