When it comes to good health, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But if there’s one dietary pattern that’s been shown to offer a host of health benefits, it’s a plant-based diet.
Popularized by books like The China Study and Forks Over Knives, a plant-based diet is one that emphasizes whole, unprocessed plants foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. While there are many different interpretations of a plant-based diet, the common thread is a focus on plants as the main source of nutrients.
A plant-based diet has been shown to offer a host of health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. And those are just a few of the benefits! Here’s a closer look at some of the top benefits of a plant-based diet:
1. Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for about one in every four deaths. But a plant-based diet can help lower your risk of developing heart disease.
One large study found that those who ate a plant-based diet had a 32% lower risk of developing coronary heart disease than those who ate a non-plant-based diet.
And it’s not just one study. Research has consistently shown that a plant-based diet is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. In fact, a recent report found that a plant-based diet was the single most effective way to prevent heart disease.
So, if you’re looking to protect your heart, a plant-based diet is a good place to start.
2. Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Like heart disease, type 2 diabetes is a major health problem in the United States. In fact, more than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly one in four don’t even know it.
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to a host of other health problems, including heart disease, stroke, Kidney disease, and blindness.
But, a plant-based diet can help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, one large study found that those who ate a plant-based diet were 34% less likely to develop diabetes than those who ate a non-plant-based diet.
And it’s not just one study. Research has consistently shown that a plant-based diet is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
3. Lower Risk of Certain Cancers
Cancer is another major health problem in the United States. In fact, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the country.
While there are many different types of cancer, a plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of some of the most common types, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
For example, one large study found that those who ate a plant-based diet had a 34% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who ate a non-plant-based diet.
And it’s not just one study. Research has consistently shown that a plant-based diet is linked to a lower risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
4. Better Weight Control
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for good health. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing a host of health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Fortunately, a plant-based diet can help with weight control. In fact, research has shown that a plant-based diet is more effective for weight loss than a non-plant-based diet.
5. Improved Digestion
Digestive problems are common, affecting about one in five Americans. But a plant-based diet can help improve your digestion.
Fiber is an important nutrient for good digestion. And plants are a good source of fiber. In fact, the average American only gets about 15 grams of fiber per day, while the recommended amount is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men.
But a plant-based diet can help you meet your fiber needs. And, adequate fiber intake is linked to a lower risk of digestive problems, including constipation, diarrhea, and Diverticulitis.
6. Better Bone Health
Bone health is important for overall health. Strong bones provide support and structure for the body and protect vital organs.
But as we age, our bones can become weaker and more brittle. This can lead to a higher risk of fractures and breaks.
Fortunately, a plant-based diet can help improve bone health. In fact, research has shown that a plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and fragile bones.
7. Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that affects more than five million Americans. And, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases with age.
But a plant-based diet can help lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, one large study found that those who ate a plant-based diet were 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who ate a non-plant-based diet.
And it’s not just one study. Research has consistently shown that a plant-based diet is linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Improved Mental Health
Mental health is an important aspect of overall health. Mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety, are common, affecting about one in five Americans.
But a plant-based diet can help improve mental health. In fact, research has shown that a plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of depression.
9. Lower Risk of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. And, kidney disease is on the rise, affecting more than 37 million Americans.
But a plant-based diet can help lower your risk of kidney disease. In fact, one large study found that those who ate a plant-based diet were 38% less likely to develop kidney disease than those who ate a non-plant-based diet.
And it’s not just one study. Research has consistently shown that a plant-based diet is linked to a lower risk of kidney disease.
10. improved Overall Health
When it comes to overall health, a plant-based diet is hard to beat. In fact, a plant-based diet has been shown to improve a wide range of health markers, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.
Not only that, but a plant-based diet has also been shown to improve life expectancy. In fact, one large study found that those who ate a plant-based diet lived an average of 3.6 years longer than those who ate a non-plant-based diet.
So, if you’re looking to improve your overall health, a plant-based diet is a good place to start.
There are many different interpretations of a plant-based diet, but the common thread is a focus on plants as the main source of nutrients. And there’s no doubt that a plant-based diet has many health benefits.
If you’re looking to improve your overall health, a plant-based diet is a good place to start.
