What are the health benefits of a plant based diet?
Are these benefits one of the biggest reasons why people choose to go plant-based?
Do doctors agree on the health benefits of plant based diet eating?
Many doctors agree—and many more are joining this number every day—that there are tons of great health benefits you can enjoy from eating a plant-based diet. Eating plant-based can keep you feeling great and reduce your risk for many different types of illnesses, among other positives.
Of course, you may not think you need to worry about these risks, especially if you don’t have any health concerns currently. Just remember that it’s never too early to start building up a resistance to diseases that are more common later in life, and that starting a healthy plant-based diet is a good choice at any point.
In this article, we’ll give you a quick list of benefits you may be able to expect from a plant-based diet. Remember, however, that not everyone sees the same results, and that you should never use a plant-based diet alone to treat a serious illness. It can be paired with medication or other treatment plans, however, to see good results.
Lesser conditions can often by treated by making the change to a plant-based diet. You will need to work with your doctor or dietitian to learn more about your own specific health needs.
Read on to learn more about the health benefits plant based diet eating can provide for you.
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Plant Based Diet Benefits on Health
In this section, we’ll help you better understand the health benefits you can be on the lookout for when you start a plant-based diet. If any of these are areas of concern for you, then you may want to begin your plant-based eating sooner rather than later. As always, however, be sure to speak to your doctor or a dietitian before making a change when you have health concerns.
1. Manage blood sugar
If you have concerns with your blood sugar, whether related to diabetes or not, you can often very successfully manage this issue by changing to a plant-based diet. You will also need to monitor your sugar intake when you do this, however, for best results.
2. Lower risk of heart disease
Plant-based dieting is most commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of heart disease. In some instances, it may also reverse the symptoms of heart disease when the problem is caught early, but this is not always the case. Eating plant-based is a heart-healthy decision you can make at any point in your life.
3. Lower blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure, you may be able to reduce it naturally without the need for medication by making healthy changes to your diet. Although other diets may also work for lowering your blood pressure, plant-based eating is one of the healthiest choices you can make for this issue.
4. Lower cholesterol
You can reduce your bad cholesterol intake while building up your good cholesterol by changing to a plant-based diet. This goes hand-in-hand with reducing the risk of heart disease. If you have been told your cholesterol is too high but you do not have any other health conclower erns yet, you can probably reverse this problem entirely with a plant-based diet.
5. Lower BMI
You will be able to get fit and stay in shape more easily when you eat plant-based. Over time, you’ll notice your BMI number dropping to a healthier range if you are overweight or obese when you begin the diet.
6. Weight loss and maintenance
Similarly to lowering your BMI, you may also be able to lose weight and maintain a healthier weight overall when you change to a plant-based diet. If you’re trying to lose weight the healthy way without a crash diet, plant-based is an excellent option packed with the nutrition you need for success.
7. Better digestion
When you have digestive disorders or diseases like Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis, you need to eat a diet that works and reduces your symptoms. A plant-based diet is a good choice for this. However, be sure to work with a dietitian to learn more about which foods to avoid, as some plants may be a trigger food for these conditions.
8. Lower cancer risk
One of the biggest and best benefits of eating plant-based is the reduced risk of many types of cancer. Cancers related to the heart, blood, and digestive system in particular may see a reduced risk in individuals who eat plant-based and stick to this diet carefully.
9. Lower diabetes risk
Another great and common benefit of plant-based eating is a reduced risk of diabetes. If you are at risk of diabetes, you can give yourself a much better chance at avoiding it by eating a healthy plant-based diet.
10. Better concentration and more mental energy
You will see more mental energy and clarity throughout the day when you enjoy plant-based eating. You’ll be able to concentrate and are less likely to feel sluggish during the afternoon. As long as you choose healthy and well-balanced meals and snacks and don’t let yourself starve between meals, you’re sure to feel better mentally and emotionally too. Some individuals even see positive changes in depression and anxiety when eating a plant-based diet.
11. Improved overall nutrition
Your overall health and wellbeing will improve with a well-balanced plant based diet. You will feel better, your hair and skin will look better, and you may have clearer vision as well. A plant-based diet can make a lot of positive impacts on your health and wellness, and you’re likely to see many of them within just a few short weeks of beginning this type of diet plan, too.
Conclusion
Now that you know a little bit more about the most common plant based diet health benefits, you may be wondering how you can get started on a plant-based diet. After all, doesn’t it sound like the healthiest possible option for you? If you’re thinking of beginning this type of diet soon, be sure to look more into information about how to plan your meals, which proteins to choose, and more. This way, you’ll be ready for success in no time.
But how long after you begin this lifestyle will you notice a change? Does your condition prior to the lifestyle change make a difference in your results? Are you really going to get benefits from changing to a plant-based diet, or is this something that only happens to a few people?
Even those who do not see major health changes and benefits from a plant-based diet often do see positives after just a short time. Many people have reported seeing a change for the better in a month or less, while others report it taking a little bit longer. It’s a good idea to try your plant-based diet for at least three months if possible, to see if it helps rather than hinders your progress. And as always, be sure you are working with a medical professional if you’re using plant-based eating to treat or prevent any serious illness.
Additional Reference
healthline.com/nutrition/plant-based-diet-guide
medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322072.php
health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/slideshows/reasons-to-choose-a-plant-based-diet
eatingwell.com/article/291622/the-health-benefits-of-eating-a-plant-based-diet-and-how-to-get-started/