If you think modern medicine has always been this innovative, then you are wrong. Before cough syrups and hyper targeted chemical pills, plant-based medicine was the key solution for the ails and illnesses of humans. The thought of eating a plant-based diet seems healthy. It's a buzzword that we keep hearing more and more, especially as it relates to a vegan diet. So what specifically is a plant-based diet and is it as safe and healthy as it sounds?
What do we mean by a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet is an effective way to achieve better health. It is rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes. These foods are full of fiber, loaded with vitamins and minerals, free of cholesterol, low in calories and unhealthy fat.
Eating a mix of these foods offers all the right nutrients including protein, calcium and other vitamins that are required by your body to function at its best.
Top benefits of plant based diets
Most of us have known since long that a diet consisting of whole plant foods reduces the risk of many serious health conditions. The more plants you eat, the better. Here are some of the best benefits to fill your plate with fruits and vegetables.
Lowers the risk of heart disease
Anyone who has a genetic history and perhaps other clinical characteristics for developing heart disease can particularly benefit from a plant-based diet. People who consume a plant-based diet have a lower chance of death from heart disease compared to non-vegetarians. Diets containing plant foods have been shown to prevent and reverse heart disease, lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.
Reduces the risk of diabetes
A plant-based diet helps prevent or manage type 2 diabetes by lowering body weight and improving insulin function. According to a study, vegetarians were less likely to develop diabetes as compared to those who ate meat at least once a week.
Helps you lose or maintain a healthy weight
A plant-based diet is rich in fiber, which we know increases satiety. Plant-based diets help lose weight, even without physical training or calorie control. Substituting high-fat diets with fruit, salads, whole grains and beans naturally lower calorie consumption resulting in weight loss.
You can also maintain a healthy weight with ease when on a plant-based diet.
Lowers the risk of cancer
Eliminating animal products, high-fat foods and consuming plant-based foods can minimize the risk of developing some types of cancer. According to experts, this is due to the immune system enhancing properties of this diet.
Promotes brain health
Saturated and Trans fats present in dairy, animal products and fried foods can increase the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders. A plant-based diet is full of antioxidants, folate and vitamin E that offer a beneficial effect on our health.
What are plant supplements or herbal supplements?
Plant supplements are made from vegetables, flowers, leaves or fruits. A herbal supplement also known as a botanical product is a type of nutritional supplement containing one or more herbs. The specific source relies heavily on which vitamin or mineral is required.
Take Away
You’re likely going to get a lot of benefits from eating a plant-based diet. Consumption of more plant-based foods will ensure that you get more of the essential vitamins, minerals and fibers that most of us are normally deficient in. And if you do make the switch to a plant-based diet, rest assured that Tok Wellness products are plant-based and do not use animal products or by-products.
