5 Reasons to Start Eating Plant-Based Foods Now Ben Wise, April 25, 2024April 26, 2024 We continually have to adjust our habits and actions as our society changes in order to improve our quality of life and health. In addition to food insecurity and climate change, over 40% of the population today has chronic illness. A plant-based diet is one of the latest ideas proposed to better our planet and health. Although doctors do not recommend food regimens now, research indicates that they can have a significant positive impact on our health. In comparison to prescribed medication, it is also a less expensive solution for our society. One person’s interpretation of a plant-based diet may be different from another’s. Within the realm of nutrition, a plant-based diet comprises consuming a significant amount of nutrients from whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts. You have access to a variety of plant-based nutrition options. On one end of the scale, there are some who follow a very strict vegan diet, others who are vegetarians but still include animal products like dairy, and yet others who occasionally eat meat, poultry, and fish. It was originally thought that a significant amount of animal protein was a part of the diet of early humans. Because of this concept, the Paleo diet, which primarily consists of animal protein, became extremely well-liked in the nutrition and diet fields in the 2000s. However, we now understand that the main sources of nourishment for both Homo sapiens and bipedal primates were water, seeds, roots, nuts, fruits, and leaves. In that instance, plant-based eating was indeed part of the “original” Paleo Diet. Additionally, it has to do with the reality that some of the most powerful creatures on Earth are not carnivores. The gorilla is the strongest animal (most are herbivores). It can lift about 4409 pounds, which is ten times its own body weight. Imagine a 200-pound person lifting a 2000-pound object. We most likely can if other mammals can survive on a diet primarily composed of plants and remain robust and healthy. Plant-based eating is a terrific alternative for those of us who want to be better and healthier people, whether our goals are to preserve animals, improve our health, or just feel better. Making the switch to a plant-based diet doesn’t have to involve a lot of thought. Not yet persuaded? These are the top 5 reasons to switch to a plant-based diet right away: Table of Contents Toggle 1. Improve Your Well-Being2. Help in Reducing and Maintaining Weight3. Stop or Treat Chronic Diseases4. Save Money on Supplements5. Preserve The EnvironmentConclusion 1. Improve Your Well-Being Additionally, increasing your intake of grains, beans, and veggies will boost your dietary fiber intake. The recommended daily fiber intake is between 25 g for women and 38 g for males. Regretfully, we take in 15 g on average every day. For the majority of us, that is insufficient and may negatively affect the digestive system, leading to constipation or hemorrhoids. According to a study, increased fiber consumption has also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. Fiber also lowers blood cholesterol. The recommended daily protein intake for most Americans is 46 g for women and 56 g for men. About 26 g of protein is found in one cup of shredded cheese and 38 g in one cup of chopped chicken. Having cottage cheese for breakfast, along with a glass of milk, an egg sandwich for lunch, and a ribeye steak for dinner, indicates you are likely consuming twice as much protein as is advised for a regular diet. Now you know why the average American consumes roughly 100 grams of protein daily. It appears that too much protein is consumed in our society, which might lead to digestive problems or bowel problems. While it’s true that certain people require more protein than others, overall, our diet heavy in protein is excessive. We can achieve our health goals with a plant-based diet without exceeding the suggested daily intake. It used to be thought that in order to gain muscle mass, your meals had to include animal protein. Studies and athletes have shown that eating a plant-based diet can help you gain muscle mass and stay in shape. For instance, American ultramarathoner Scott Jurek, one of the greatest runners of all time, is renowned for eating only plant-based foods. Despite countless studies showing the health benefits of eating vegetables as a means of preventing disease, many people continue to oppose making dietary changes that could improve our quality of life. Too many people think that maintaining good health just requires taking supplements, exercising, and taking medications. In the meantime, 75–80% of weight control, according to experts in the field of health and wellness, comes from diet, and 25–25% comes from activity. Some studies found that compared to omnivores, plant-based eaters displayed fewer symptoms of mental illness and despair. Even while there is still a lot of study to be done and other factors (like sugar intake) to take into account, these studies are quite encouraging. Trying it and seeing how you feel is the best way to find out. 2. Help in Reducing and Maintaining Weight When you consume a plant-based diet, a significant amount of your meals are made of plant-based foods. Nevertheless, when we consider a plant-based diet, fruits and vegetables are frequently the first foods that spring to mind. Few people in our community are able to consume the recommended daily intake of fruits (15%) and vegetables (10%), respectively, according to various research. Nutrition experts worldwide concur that, particularly in our nation, the obesity epidemic and chronic diseases associated with malnutrition are partly caused by our country’s low fruit and vegetable consumption. Exercise is vital, but the main cause of the high rate of obesity in our country is, most likely, diet. People who follow a plant-based diet typically consume fewer calories than people who eat animal protein since they consume fewer calories per weight and the majority of their calories from healthy sources. Plant-based eaters typically consume fewer processed foods and steer clear of fast-food chains and other eateries that specialize on meat and offer unhealthy meal alternatives. Furthermore, research suggests that people who consumed less salt (2300–1500 mg daily) and followed a plant-based diet experienced lower blood pressure and more rapid weight loss. Having said that, it’s critical to realize that not every plant-based food is nutritious. The other plant-based item to be cautious of is sugar. 3. Stop or Treat Chronic Diseases Research shows that people who follow a plant-based diet can prevent chronic diseases, lower their obesity rates, and generally promote a healthy and high-quality lifestyle, as you will see in the next section. A World Health Organization report suggests consuming 400 g of fruits and vegetables daily to help avoid chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity. To put this into perspective, one medium-sized potato weighs over 150 grams, compared to approximately 75 grams for a tomato. In terms of weight, a small kiwi weighs roughly 75 g, and a medium apple weighs about 150g. 4. Save Money on Supplements It may surprise you to learn that Americans spend over $30 billion annually on supplements. What if you didn’t have to spend that cash? You have a higher chance of getting all the nutrients you require from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes if you follow a plant-based diet. This not only saves you money but also eliminates the stress of remembering to buy and take supplements. Despite the fact that countless studies support the idea that eating vegetables can help prevent disease, many people are unwilling to alter their diet in order to improve their quality of life. Too many people think that maintaining good health just requires taking supplements, exercising, and taking medications. In the meantime, 75–80% of weight control, according to experts in the field of health and wellness, comes from diet, and 25–25% comes from activity. 5. Preserve The Environment Approximately 70% of our freshwater is used for agriculture (on average worldwide). Nevertheless, compared to other cereals like wheat, which require between 500 and 4000 liters of water per kilogram, the production of meat requires about 1000% more water (1 kg requires between 5000 and 20,000 liters). Furthermore, a large portion of the grain is grown for the animals that we eat; if humans began consuming that grain instead of meat, less water and resources would be required to produce animal feed. Conclusion In conclusion, everyone may adopt a plant-based diet; the key is to increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and other foods rather than going on a “diet” or cutting something out of your diet. It’s time to put what you’ve learned into practice! Choose a day to begin eating a plant-based diet, plan your meals (research recipes for breakfast, lunch, and supper), create a grocery list, go grocery shopping (get the things you need), and make the shift! Eating a plant-based diet is more of a way of life. Simplify it and enjoy yourself while doing it. Related Health Benefits of plant-based foodsHealthPlant-Based Foods