How a Plant-Based Diet Helps to Prevent Chronic Diseases
Fiber: Abundant in plant-based foods, fiber aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can lower cholesterol.
1. Fiber: The Carb That Helps You Manage Diabetes – CDC
www.cdc.gov
Antioxidants: These compounds protect cells from damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. 1. Health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables – Eglin Air Force Base
www.eglin.af.mil
Vitamins and Minerals: Plant-based foods are packed with essential vitamins and minerals crucial for overall health. 1. 5 benefits of a plant-based diet | MD Anderson Cancer Center
www.mdanderson.org
Healthy Fats: Unsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds, and avocados support heart health. 1. Nuts and seeds – Better Health Channel
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Reduced Risk Factors
Lower Cholesterol: Plant-based diets are typically low in saturated and trans fats, which contribute to high cholesterol. 1. How to Eat Vegetarian When You Have High Cholesterol – Everyday Health
www.everydayhealth.com
Blood Pressure Control: The potassium in plant foods helps counterbalance the effects of sodium, promoting healthy blood pressure. 1. Reducing sodium and increasing potassium may lower risk of cardiovascular disease
www.hsph.harvard.edu
Weight Management: High fiber content and lower calorie density can aid in weight loss and maintenance. 1. Calorie Density Is the Key to Weight Loss – Forks Over Knives
www.forksoverknives.com
Reduced Inflammation: Many plant-based foods have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent chronic diseases. 1. Anti-inflammatory effects of plant-based foods and of their constituents – PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Specific Disease Prevention
Heart Disease: By lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, a plant-based diet reduces the risk of heart disease. 1. Combating Chronic Diseases with a Plant-Based Diet | Rho Chi Post
rhochistj.org
Type 2 Diabetes: The high fiber content helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes. 1. How Fiber Helps Manage Diabetes – Verywell Health
www.verywellhealth.com
Certain Cancers: Some studies suggest a lower risk of certain cancers, such as colon and breast cancer, with a plant-based diet. 1. Plant power: Using diet to lower cancer risk – Mayo Clinic Health System
www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org
Overall Health and Well-being
Beyond disease prevention, a plant-based diet can improve energy levels, digestion, and skin health. It also promotes a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Plant-based eating and living for a more sustainable future – Ingredion
www.ingredion.com
It’s important to note: While a plant-based diet offers significant health benefits, it’s essential to ensure you’re getting all necessary nutrients. For individuals with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions, consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is recommended