5 Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

Let me preface this by saying that I am not a vegetarian or vegan.  Since my hormones were going all wonky, however, I have incorporated a more "plant focused" way of eating which is doing wonders for my digestion.

Plant-based diets have been linked to a number of health benefits, including weight loss, increased metabolism, and better heart health. A plant-based meal is packed with vigorous, healthy and ever-essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are responsible for improving your health.  

Here are some other benefits of a plant-based diet.

Improves Blood Pressure

Animal-based diets have been linked to higher blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease due to their high fat and salt content. A plant-based diet is low fat and low calorie, but high in potassium, which may help lower blood pressure. Potassium also reduces the onset of stress and anxiety that results from high blood pressure.

Lowers cholesterol

Did you know that cholesterol is naturally made by your body but is increased through our diet?  

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, high blood cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. 

Dietary cholesterol — found in meat, poultry, eggs and regular dairy products — have less impact on blood cholesterol than foods with saturated and trans fat.

Foods containing saturated fat include processed foods, fatty meats, full-fat milk products, butter and lard. Foods containing trans fat include partially hydrogenated margarines, deep-fried foods and many packaged crackers, cookies and commercially baked products.  Oh my!

So, it stands to reason that eating a high fat diet is linked with high cholesterol and this can have a negative impact on your health.

Switching to a healthier plant-based diet may significantly reduce your body’s cholesterol levels. A plant-based diet of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds contains little to no cholesterol and has been shown to drastically improve heart health and performance.

Balances blood sugar

Sustained high blood sugar is harmful and can aggravate your cravings for saccharine-loaded meals. High blood sugar may also cause a deterioration in blood circulation and heart and liver function. Animal-based diets can exacerbate your blood sugar and impede the proper functioning of your organs. Plant-based diets, on the other hand, have been shown to help reduce high blood sugar levels and manage appetite by slowing the absorption of saccharine in your bloodstream.

Reduces risk of cancer

Recent studies have suggested that high levels of accumulated proteins may lead to the development of carcinogens (cancerous cells) in your body. An all natural, whole-food, and low-fat diet may help substantially reduce your risk of cancer.

Promotes weight loss

Plant-based diets can be extremely effective in reducing and managing weight. Clean, whole and raw foods increase your body's metabolism and ability to build healthy tissue. Plant-based diets are comprised of minerals, fibers, and vitamins that your body needs to shed weight and function at its peak. The healthy components of a plant-based diet provide your body with the nutrients it craves, helping to satiate the desire for protein-heavy meals loaded with sugar and fat.

Hey lovely, I invite you to download my free guide, Eat Your Way to Hormone Health, which is packed with crucial information about some foods that can keep your hormones healthy and humming along (most of which are vegetarian)! 

Eat Your Way to Hormone Health!

Yours in health and wellness,

Francine 

LOVING DISCLAIMER: Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing any symptoms.  I am not a doctor. This post and anything else you find on this website is intended for informational, educational and self-empowerment purposes ONLY and is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition or disease.  

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published