Many reasons people choose to eat plants are numerous. Plant-based diets have many great causes, including losing weight and feeling more energetic. These are just a few of the many benefits that you can get from going plant-based.
You’ll see a decrease in inflammation in your body.
You may have high levels of inflammation if you eat meat, cheese, or highly processed foods. Short-term inflammation, such as after an injury, is normal and healthy. However, chronic inflammation can cause damage to your body over many months or even years. Chronic inflammation has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis and other diseases such as strokes, diabetes, heart attacks, heart attacks, heart attacks, and autoimmune disorders.
Plant-based diets are naturally non-inflammatory. This is because they are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients. They also have a lower level of inflammatory triggers like saturated fat and endotoxins, toxins released from bacteria common in animal foods. Research has shown that those who follow plant-based diets can significantly lower their levels of C-reactive proteins (CRP), which is a sign of inflammation in their bodies.
Your blood cholesterol levels will plummet.
High blood cholesterol is a significant risk factor for strokes and heart disease, which are two of the most deadly diseases in America. Our blood cholesterol levels are largely driven by saturated fat, primarily found in meats, poultry, and other animal products. Cholesterol is also a factor in our diets.
Studies have consistently shown that people who eat plants can see a drop in cholesterol of up to 35%. This is often comparable to drug therapy results, which have many positive side effects! People on cholesterol-lowering medications can also reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by eating a plant-based diet.
Plant-based whole-food diets lower blood cholesterol. They are low in saturated fat and contain no cholesterol. Plant-based diets also have high fiber levels, further lowering blood cholesterol levels. Soy can also help lower cholesterol levels if you choose to include it.
You’ll give a makeover to your microbiome.
The microbiome is a collection of trillions upon trillions of microorganisms that live in our bodies. These microorganisms are increasingly being recognized as vital to our overall health. They not only help us digest food but also produce crucial nutrients, turn genes on or off, maintain healthy gut tissue, and protect us against cancer. Studies also showed they are involved in obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.
A healthy intestinal microbiome is possible with plant foods. Plant foods are rich in fiber, which promotes healthy intestinal microbiomes. Fiber-poor diets, such as high-fiber foods like dairy, eggs, and meat can encourage the growth of disease-promoting bacteria. Studies have shown that omnivores who eat choline and carnitine (found on meat, poultry, eggs, and milk) produce a toxic substance called TMAO. TMAO can lead to increased cholesterol plaques and increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.
People who eat plant-based diets have very different gut microbiomes. Our gut bacteria patterns take only a few days to change. The benefits of a plant-based diet are immediate!
You’ll change the way your genes work.
Scientists have discovered that lifestyle and environmental factors can alter genes’ expression. The antioxidants and other nutrients found in whole-plant foods can alter gene expression, thereby optimizing how cells repair DNA damage. Research also shows that lifestyle changes such as a plant-based diet can reduce cancer genes’ expression among low-risk prostate cancer men. Even more surprising, we’ve seen that a plant-based diet can increase our telomeres, which are the caps at our chromosomes that keep our DNA stable. It could mean that cells and tissues age slower because shortened telomeres can be associated with earlier death and aging.
Dramatically reduce your chances of getting type ii diabetes.
Prediabetes is a precursor to type 2. It affects 38 percent of Americans. A study has shown that animal protein, mainly red and processed meats, can increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Even after accounting for differences in body weight, omnivores have twice the rate of type 2 diabetes as vegans. This population actually increased their risk of developing diabetes by 74% by eating meat at least once per week over 17 years. Similar results were found in the Nurses Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. An increase in red meat intake of more than half a day was linked to a 48 percent increased risk for diabetes in 4 years.
Why is meat causing type 2 diabetes? There are many reasons. Animal fat, heme iron, and nitrates in meat can damage pancreatic cells, increase inflammation, cause weight gain and impair insulin function.
Your chances of developing type 2 diabetes will be significantly reduced if you eat a diet primarily whole plant foods and avoid animal products. This is especially true for whole grains, which are extremely protective against type 2. Carbs can protect you against diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, a plant-based diet can reverse or increase your chances of getting it under control.
You’ll get the right amount and type of protein
The U.S. average omnivore gets 1.5 times the recommended amount of protein. Most of this protein comes from animal sources.
Contrary to popular belief, this excess of protein doesn’t make us more powerful or less slender. Excessive protein can be stored as fat or converted into waste. This is why excess protein is not a cause of weight gain, heart disease, and diabetes, as well as inflammation and cancer.
On the other hand, the protein in whole plant foods can protect us against many chronic diseases. You don’t need to monitor your protein intake or supplement with plant-based foods. If you meet your daily calorie requirements, you will get enough protein. The Blue Zones are home to the longest-lived humans on Earth. They get around 10 percent of their calories in protein, compared to the average U.S. of 15 to 20%.
You’ll make a huge impact on the health of our planet and its inhabitants
Animal agriculture is very destructive to the planet. It is the largest contributor to greenhouse gases and is a major cause of land and water usage, wildlife destruction, and species extinction. To produce one pound of beef in the U.S. takes approximately 2,000 gallons. Some estimates suggest that the oceans could be entirely depleted by 2048. The current food system that relies on meat and dairy production also contributes to global hunger. Most crops grown in the world go towards feeding livestock, not people.
Animals raised for food are also sentient beings who suffer. Being healthy isn’t just about what we eat; it’s about how we feel about the world and the people we share it with.
