07 Jul 5 Benefits of Eating Plant-Based Foods
There’s more to a healthy lifestyle than fitness. What goes into your body is just as important as mental and physical health and well-being. Eating plant-based is a great way to give your body the nutrition it needs – plus it can help you to maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of cancer, and more. Keep reading to learn about five benefits of eating plant-based foods.
#1. They May Prevent Heart Disease
It’s a commonly known fact that the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease. More than 650,000 Americans die from heart-related issues each year. Plant-based foods can be a powerful weapon against heart disease, and here’s why.
Plant-based foods help lower blood sugar and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Meat also tends to have saturated fats that can be bad for your heart. Incorporating plant-based foods into your healthy lifestyle, such as whole-grain rice, legumes, and fruits & vegetables, is like providing your body and cardiovascular system clean fuel to run on.
#2. Plant-Based Foods Support Healthy Weight Loss
Whether or not weight loss is a goal of yours, eating a plant-based diet can help you not only lose weight but maintain your weight in a healthy way. Plant-based foods are low on the glycemic index, which means they take longer for your body to digest. Plus, many fruits are richer in fiber and antioxidants, which help you feel fuller longer.
One thing to note about plant-based diets; There are plenty of ways you can eat unhealthy plant-based foods. Try to avoid sugary fruit juices and steer clear of bleached grains like white rice and carbs like white bread. Even though they are technically plant-based, these foods don’t provide the nutrients your body needs.
#3. You Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
As we mentioned above, some meats have a lot of saturated fat and can contribute to the build-up of LDL cholesterol, which can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a contributing factor to heart disease and even strokes. Adding more plant-based foods into your diet and managing your blood pressure is a great way to stay healthier for longer.
#4. They Are Good for Your Brain Health
At VIBE, we believe in making your physical and mental wellness a priority. The foods we eat can affect our mood and mental health. Plant-based foods help us not feel sluggish or give us brain fog. But did you know that they can also help reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have polyphenols that can help slow and regress the effects of cognitive decline! It’s safe to say that plant-based foods are one of the keys to living a longer and healthier lifestyle.
#5. Plant-Based Foods Might Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
It’s likely that you or someone in your life has been impacted by cancer in some way. It’s a reality that no one is exempt from. But, there are ways that you can lower your risk of cancer, and one of them is eating plant-based foods.
Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to boost your immune system and fight diseases such as the common cold and help prevent cancer cells from developing. Plant-based diets are also clear of smoked and highly processed meat which can contain carcinogens. Even if you do develop cancer, a plant-based diet can help your body stay strong, fight the disease, and could support your recovery in the long run.
Interested in exploring healthier foods for you and your family? VIBE is proud to be a pick-up stop for Simple Eats MKE, a local delivery service offering delicious and nutritious locally sourced meals. Send us an email at info@vibemke.com to learn more!
Want an in-person healthy cooking experience? Join us on July 22nd at 5;30 pm at VIBE for a Healthy Cooking Class with Pat Molter.
