Plant-based diets have several benefits and that is why they are becoming more common and have made their way to the dining tables of a large number of people around the world. Popular names in the fast-food industry like McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, KFC, and Burger King have all added plan-based meals to their menus and so have grocery stores and many fine dining establishments.
So What Do We Mean By a Plant-Based Diet?
The first word that comes into one's mind when they hear about a plant-based diet is 'vegetarian' but the truth is many people who eat this diet don't classify as a vegetarian. Sticking to a plant-based diet means eating very less processed whole foods, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and reducing or eliminating meat, eggs, and dairy from your diet.
The Health Benefits
A lot of people opt for this diet to reduce weight and are successful and according to a study, they can lose 5.56 lbs of weight in about 18 weeks. But weight is not the sole reason for having a change in diet and lifestyle. A Plant-based diet can also assist in heart disease and hypertension. Vegetarian diets can also diminish or lower the risk of all cancers, especially in colorectal, gastrointestinal, and female-related cancers.
Plant-based diets can also help with dementia and Alzheimer's disease symptoms in people above 65. That's not all, it can also lower the risk of diabetes and manage symptoms. Plant-based diets can also aid with cancer treatment, arthritis, and any disorder associated with inflammation.
Should You Be Worried?
Given all the amazing benefits of the diet, you still need to check with your doctor to fully understand what you're getting yourself into. It is important to monitor the nutrients you're consuming to make sure you're getting what your body needs, something can be difficult to keep track of as compared to animal products.
Here's an infographic to help you learn more about a plant-based diet.
