A plant-based diet has been proven to reduce the risk of cancer. Eating a plant-based diet does not mean that you cannot eat meat. It means that your meals are mainly plants such as vegetables, whole grains, and seeds. Start by filling two thirds of your plate with these types of plant-based foods. The remaining one-third of your plate should be a lean protein like chicken or fish, or a plant protein like tofu or beans. It is well known that plant-based eating supports the immune systems. Plants are filled with the nutrients, micronutrients, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that strengthen the immune system. The best way to protect yourself against disease is to have a healthy immune system. Plants are the foundation of a healthy immune system. A weak immune system puts us at a higher risk of developing cancer. Another benefit of a plant-based diet is reduced inflammation. Many processed foods have additives and the nutrients are removed which contributes to inflammation. A balanced plant -based diet reduces inflammation and supports healthy cell function. One of the best benefits of a plant-based diet is weight control. Plant-based meals have a higher concentration of water per food calorie. This helps us to feel more satisfied with fewer calories when eating a plant-based meals as compared to meat-based meals.Eating more plants equals more fiber in our diet. The non-soluble fiber that is found in plants such as leafy greens, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables help to carry waste out of our bodies. Fiber absorbs water, gives our stools bulk, and is an essential component for waster elimination. Eating more fiber helps to keep us feeling fuller longer.One of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is to eat a plant-based diet. Meat, dairy products, and processed foods that are high in preservatives, salt, and or sugars can put excess strain on the heart. Eating too much animal fat can lead to high cholesterol and clogged arteries which also places more stress on the heart. Eating more plant-based meals reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.A plant-based diet also has great benefits for our gut healthy. There are trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that naturally live in our intestines. We need these to be healthy. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes are key to a healthy gut microbiome. To sum it all up, a plant-based diet can help to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, help to maintain a healthy weight, increase fiber in the diet, and lower the risk of developing cancer. |