Concerns regarding a rapid increase in lethal diseases in the past decade are being voiced globally. An unhealthy lifestyle is one of the significant and common reasons that mediate the development of such prevalent disorders. Hence, researchers and physicians are now working to improve eating habits to reduce the spread of these illnesses. The most efficient but not so common among other options is the use of plant-based foods.
Plant-based foods provide you the sufficient nutrients that your body needs to survive. They are rich in proteins that are made up of both non-essential and essential amino acids. They are also a good source of fatty acids, vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, calcium, and other micronutrients. Although not all plants encompass all these nutrients, therefore, it is mandatory to consume plant-based foods according to the body requirements. Providing proper healthcare education can familiarize people with plant-based foods, their chief components, and the appropriate quantity that is desirable in each day’s diet plan.
Following is the list of benefits that Plant based diet imparts to the human body:
- Decreasing Mortality
Plants derived foods are significantly associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular illness and mortality. The primary reason behind this therapeutic potential is reduced intake of red meat, which is strongly linked to cardiovascular mortality.
Eating plant-based food also lower high blood pressure, which reduces the risks of cardiovascular illness. Previously, 124706 individuals were studied to evaluate the effect of plants derived foods on the risk of ischemic heart disease, and it was found that vegans had a 29% lower death rate due to ischemic heart disease in comparison to non-vegans.
- Reducing Obesity
Obesity is known as the “mother of diseases” as it stimulates the development of various chronic diseases, including cancer, high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, high cholesterol level, and diabetes. Therefore, if a specific diet reduces body mass index will automatically prevent obesity-related secondary complications.
A plant-based diet is a perfect source of reducing body weight. Previously many studies were conducted to compare the body weights of the people who consume plant-based diets and people who intake non-plant-derived diets. All of them revealed that the consumers of the plant-based diet possess significantly lower body mass index as compared to the frequent meat-eaters.
Consequently, the authors of these published studies concluded that the plant-based diet can be suggested for precise weight management without conceding the quality of diet.
- Management of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disease that is categorized by the high Blood Glucose Level (BGL). More than 400 million individuals are affected by this disorder currently, and this number is increasing swiftly all over the Globe. It is expected that by 2045 the number of affected people with Diabetes Mellitus will increase to 628.6 million around the World.
Moreover, diabetes is predicted to turn into one of the significant reasons for worldwide death by 2030. Foods derived from plants demonstrate excellent anti-diabetic effects. Many previous studies have shown that people who eat plant-based diets are at a lower risk of developing diabetes.
For example, a recent study of 60,000 individuals (of both gender) demonstrated that the incidence of diabetes was 2.9% and 7.6% in people with a vegan diet and non-vegan diet, respectively.
- Reducing Risk of Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. It is an abnormal growth of the cells within the body. Causalities in cancer can be prevented if its early diagnosis is made possible, as cancer is curable at the early stages of its development. Plants based foods are highly active against cancer.
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, the best way to intake cancer-protective nutrients is to eat plant-based foods, as they are rich in minerals, fibers, vitamins, and phytochemicals.
Similarly, a recent study published in Cancer Management and Research notes journals depicted that the use of the plant-based diet can lower down the risk of cancer by 10%.
Conclusion
Although plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases, different types of vegetarians may not experience the same effects on health. The key is to focus on eating a healthy diet, not simply a vegan or vegetarian diet, not so common in our society. Healthcare education shows promise in spreading awareness about the importance of plant-based foods in increasing overall life’s duration.
