Going plant-based is something that seems impossible to many people. They are unaware of the amazing benefits of going plant-based and the ways in which it helps to fuel and empower your body. More often than not, they have such a strong emotional attachment to food that they are oblivious to what they are actually eating and how it is affecting them. Ever wonder why you have no energy? Or why you are deficient in different vitamins? Or why you are having such a hard time losing weight? Well, more than likely it is because of the way you eat. Most people don’t know about how the right diet can benefit you. So, I have compiled the top 10 best benefits of a plant-based diet to help show you how great going plant-based is.
1. It’s Easier and Quicker to Lose Weight
After eating a whole foods, plant-based diet for just a few weeks, both of my parents lost 15 lbs each. The only change they made was what they ate. They were both active, though neither worked out consistently at the time.
How was it so easy to lose weight? Well, we cut out all animal products as well as processed foods and refined sugar. Our diet was full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes. Naturally, our meals contained less calories even though it seemed as though we were eating more and staying fuller longer. We no longer drank the 2% milk with dinner, or covered our meals in high calorie cheese. Our dishes became 90% vegetables and were therefore less calories.
The increase of fruits and vegetables also meant an increase in fiber which in turn helps to keep you fuller longer. Plus, with the reduced calorie intake, you can eat more without feeling guilty. You will feel satisfied after meals and be able to finally drop those extra pounds.
2. You Get More Vitamins and Nutrients
Eating a plant-based diet means that your are consuming foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals straight from nature itself. Many people are deficient in certain vitamins because they are not consuming enough fruit and veggies that contain them. There are many underlying problems that come with being vitamin deficient in which many people don’t realize.
Consuming plant-based foods ensures that you will have an increased intake in vital vitamins and nutrients such as antioxidants, iron, omega-3, vitamin C, and calcium among many, many others. By replacing animal products and processed foods with fruits and veggies, you are allowing your body the nutrients it needs to properly function.
3. Great for Hair, Skin, and Nails
The increase of nutrients comes with many great benefits for your hair, skin, and nails. Most people don’t realize that the reason their nails are brittle or they have constant breakouts is because of what they eat.
The increase in vital nutrients help your hair to grow quicker and become healthier overall. For example vitamin C is consumed in abundance in a plant-based diet. Many people are deficient in vitamin C, thus causing brittle and weak hair. This antioxidant helps to strengthen hair follicles and promote growth. It is just one of the vitamins and minerals that benefit your hair. Personally, my hair has become stronger, shinier, and feels far healthier. I have also noticed that is grows faster than ever before.
Much like your hair, your nails need vital nutrients in order to be strong and healthy. Foods that we eat a ton of, like spinach or avocados, provide vitamins and minerals that promote strong and beautiful nails. Before going plant-based, my nails were brittle and without fail, they always broke when they got the least bit long. I was so incredibly happy when I finally grew out my nails without them breaking, all thanks to the way I was eating.
Another direct result of the way you eat is shown in your skin. Processed foods, dairy, refined sugar, refined carbohydrates, and fats are among some of the types of foods that directly affect your skin. They clog your pores, cause inflammation, and increase oil production. Therefore, causing breakouts, acne, and rashes. However, a plant-based diet contains foods that are high in vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C which promotes healthy, glowing skin.
4. Increase in Energy
Do you ever find yourself feeling sluggish and out of energy? It could very well be due to the foods you consume. Foods that are highly processed and full of refined sugars and fat as well as animal products slow you down. They take more energy and longer to process through your body. A plant-based diet is easier to digest and boosts your energy (and your metabolism) as it is providing all of the needed nutrients to help you get through the day.
5. Prevents and Reverses Diseases
A plant-based diet has been scientifically proven to help prevent and even reverse diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. In fact, this diet can prevent many chronic diseases. It is full of wholesome, nutrient dense food that works with your body instead of against it. Meat and other animal products can clog your arteries and cause heart problems, both of which can be reversed by going plant-based. Did you know that the leading cause of death for both men and women is heart disease? I bet you also did not know that eating a wholesome, plant-based diet can REVERSE heart disease and prevent heart attacks. This is just one of the many examples of diseases that can be prevented and reversed by changing your diet.
6. Prevents and Lowers Risk of Cancer
A plant-based diet has also been linked to preventing and lowering the risk of many different types of cancers. Many of the different foods included in a plant-based diet have cancer fighting properties that work to help prevent certain cancers. Certain foods like red meat along with processed meats have been linked to being carcinogenic, meaning causing cancer, especially that of colon cancer. Luckily for those eating a wholesome, plant-based diet they won’t have to worry about it and know that the food they are eating is working to help prevent cancer.
7. Lowers Cholesterol
Eating a diet high in processed food, saturated fat, meat and other animal products leads to high cholesterol. Being that a plant-based diet has no animal products, low saturated fats, and no processed foods, it is a perfect resolution for those with high cholesterol. With fruits and vegetables being the main focus in this diet, they are a perfect option as they contain no cholesterol and will only benefit you and help you in lowering your cholesterol.
8. Lowers Blood Pressure
Having a plant-based diet also lowers your blood pressure. I have noticed this first hand as my blood pressure was far lower than those around me who did not eat a plant-based diet. People who have a poor diet full of process foods, sugary drinks, and artificial foods tend to have higher blood pressure which leads to a greater risk of a heart attack. Diet can be a direct cause of high blood pressure. A day full of junk foods and carbonated, sugary drinks makes the heart race and blood pressure soar. This can be seen in both adults and children alike. A plant-based diet helps to prevent and treat those with high blood pressure.
9. Environmentally Friendly
This diet is one of the most eco-friendly diets there is. In fact, it takes around 3,000 gallons of water to produce 1 lb of beef whereas it only takes less then 100 gallons to produce different fruits and veggies, like apples or lettuce. Someone who is plant-based has a dramatically reduced carbon footprint, saving water and the energy it takes to process meat and other junk foods.
10. You Know Exactly What You are Eating
With a whole foods, plant-based diet, you know exactly what you are eating. There is no guessing what the ingredients are or where they came from. You can take comfort in knowing what was put into a dish and how it was prepared. Wholesome and plant-based allows for delicious, nutrient dense foods without the chemicals, disease causing ingredients, or negative impacts to your body.
