Plant-based diets: Scientific details you should know

by John Griffith
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Dietitians and food scientists have lauded the benefits of eating more plants and less meat for years, and finally, it appears that the public is catching on. The trend for plant-based diets is soaring, not just for weight loss but for reducing the risk for some forms of cancer.

Because healthcare practitioners are promoting this method of living as many of their patients have achieved fantastic results, we are seeing the trend arising even in retail shops. Take this Lidl weekly ad, for example, there’s a dedicated page for fruit and vegetables, and there’s a mixture of snacks catering for both plant diets and the conventional. At times they provide healthy recipes too.

Plants have the fastest access to unprocessed nutrients. Therefore, they are the go-to for anyone who feels like they are not in their best shape internally or externally, as they carry healing properties and nutrients in perfect quantities.

Plant based diets have been on the rise

green smoothie bowl plant based diets kiwi

Scientific benefits of plant-based diets

1. Reduced Risk of Hypertension

In November 2016, the Journal of Hypertension published a study that showed that vegetarians had a 34% lower chance of getting hypertension (high blood pressure) than nonvegetarians. This also meant their chances of getting type 2 diabetes, heart disease or a stroke were greatly reduced too, as these conditions are triggered by high blood pressure.

Being a vegetarian greatly decreases your risk of hypertension

summer salad plant based diets fresh

2. Weight loss ​​

A whole foods, plant-based diet, when followed correctly, reduces the usage of oils, processed foods and added sugars leaving only whole foods to offer nourishment. This increases nutrient intake while essentially eliminating foods that can cause health problems like uncontrolled weight gain and obesity.

3. Longevity

Science has it that a well-balanced plant diet decreases the risk of mortality by twenty-five percent. If you eat well, you will avoid many ailments and develop a better immune system, thus helping you to live longer.

Eating well helps your overall health

fresh fruit salad plant based diets

4. Reduced risk of cancer

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and some animal foods is the greatest way to receive cancer-protective elements like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

5. Lower cholesterol

High cholesterol levels can cause fatty deposits in the circulation, restricting blood flow and raising the chances of a heart attack, stroke, or heart disease. Moving away from an animal-based diet and toward a plant-based one can reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by 10 to 15%, according to research.

Plant based diets decreases your risk of cancer and lowers your cholesterol

woman cooking plant based diets fresh fruits

Conclusion

If you can do yourself the biggest favor, make the call and start eating healthy with a plant-based diet. Reduce your risk of developing heart conditions and cancer, help control your weight and increase your chances of living longer.

Going plant based will stimulate your health so much

plant based diets pineapple raspberry smoothie

John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.