A plant-based diet has a significant impact on one's health. We are constantly inundated with the latest and greatest diet that purports to be the Holy Grail of our health demands in this modern age. These fad diets are frequently deceptive and might do more harm than good. Leading health specialists suggest getting back to basics in order to live a long and healthy life.
Here's how avoiding meat will keep you safe from the most dangerous killers:
Diabetes
Plant-based diets are associated with a significantly lower risk of diabetes. One possible explanation is that people who consume a plant-based diet are less likely to be obese, which is a major risk factor for diabetes.
Vegans and vegetarians have the lowest body mass index (BMI). As the quantity of animal items in the diet grows, BMI rises, and omnivores are the most likely to be overweight or obese.
A plant-based diet also improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic management, and even when weight was taken into account, research found that vegans and vegetarians had a lower risk of diabetes.
Stroke and Heart Disease
Saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, is lower in plant-based diets. Vegetarian and vegan foods are both naturally high in fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, which are linked to lower stroke and heart disease rates.
A new study found that a plant-based diet reduces the risk of heart disease by up to 25%, and previous research indicated that a meat-free diet can potentially heal existing heart disease.
Cancer
Plant-based diets high in fiber and antioxidants protect against cancer, and studies show that vegetarian and vegan diets reduce overall cancer risk by 8-15%.
Animal products include more saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased incidence of some cancers. Red meat, in particular, significantly increases the risk of lung, pancreatic, colorectal, breast, prostate, and other cancers.
According to one study, every three-ounce piece of red meat consumed daily increases the risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer by up to 17%.
Alzheimer's Disease
Fruits and vegetables are anti-cognitive dysfunction and anti-dementia foods, whereas a high intake of meat, particularly red and processed meat, is linked to an increase in dementia risk.
In one study, high saturated fat consumption doubled the risk of Alzheimer's disease, whereas unsaturated fats, such as those found in avocados, olives, nuts, and seeds, had a lower risk.
The benefits of a plant-based diet include increased focus and protection against cognitive decline, as well as indications that a plant-based diet might slow down and possibly reverse memory loss.
