June 30, 2014

Health benefits of a plant based dietLiving a vegan lifestyle and eating a diet free from animal products can not only be rewarding in terms of ethics, it can also pay off in terms of health1. Fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and pulses all have huge benefits beyond merely keeping a healthy body weight. An increased intake of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, including antioxidants, can help prevent a number of conditions.

Significant studies have proven that people eating a plant based diet live a longer life than the average meat-eater2. This is not something that the powerful meat industry likes to be heard and they spend a lot of money sponsoring research to try to validate health benefits of animal products.

High cholesterol and high blood pressure have both been found to lead to heart disease. However, on a diet low in fat, sodium and calories, and high in potassium, vegans are significantly less likely to develop either. The antioxidants found in a lot of fruit and vegetables, such as berries, has been found to help prevent cancer3. Animal proteins have been found to agitate tissue inflammation4 whereas fruit and vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties. The discomfort that comes with conditions such as arthritis can be greatly improved by eating a plant-based diet rather than a meat-based one5.

A vegan diet can not only give you a longer life, it can give you a better quality life.

 

Sources:

1. Top 10 Health Benefits of Vegetarianism

2. The China Study

3. American Institute for Cancer Research

4. NutritionalFacts.org

5. Forks Over Knives

One Response to “Health Benefits Of A Plant Based Diet”

  1. Tania Rickard:
    April 4, 2016

    Totally agree and would like to see more vegan businesses popping up around our beautiful Aotearoa. These could be to educate people on the great health benefits a plant based diet can provide. I am looking into establishing such a business (very small) where vegan products are sold and cooked as well as having information available on the benefits each product has on the body and soul as well as for animals and environment.

Agree or disagree with this post? Leave a comment below.

Your email address will not be published.

Enter Code: *

Do not include website links or HTML in the reviews, they will be removed.