Health Begins With

WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR PLATE

The science is clear. Irrefutable. Difficult — if not impossible — to ignore. The quality of our health is affected by what we eat. We are what we eat. 

A diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and some plant-based fats is healthier for humans than a steady diet of processed foods, meats, animal fats, and foods “enhanced” with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and/or salt. 

Need proof? Here are seven key ways that eating more plants and plant-based meals will improve your health.

• Plant-based eating supports the immune system. Plants supply us with the nutrients, micronutrients, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that serve to strengthen rather than weaken the immune system. We need them. Health experts around the globe agree that a body’s resistance to disease begins with a healthy immune system. Plants provide the building blocks for immune systems to thrive.

• A diet rich in plants reduces inflammation. Many processed foods, meats, dairy products and food additives increase inflammation in our cells, and inflammation contributes to disease by getting in the way of our cells’ natural processes. A balanced diet of plants reduces inflammation and supports healthy cell function.

• Eating more plants helps regulate weight gain. Plants and plant-based meals have a higher concentration of water per food calorie. This means we can feel more satisfied, or more sated, with fewer calories when eating plant-centric dishes as compared to meat-based meals. Want to get back into your favorite jeans faster? Eat more plants.

• More plants equals increased fiber intake. Doctors have been telling us for years to get more fiber in our diets, and for good reason. Non-soluble fiber found in plants — think leafy greens, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables — is essential to carry waste out of our bodies. Fiber absorbs water, gives our stools bulk, and becomes an essential component for waste elimination. Which leads to…

• Lower the risk of cancer by eating a healthy diet of plants. A weakened immune system, inflammation, obesity, and diets low in fiber can turn us into prime candidates for certain types of cancer. Reverse this trend by committing to a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and plant-centric dishes.

• A steady diet of plant-based foods improves heart health. Meats, dairy products, and processed foods high in preservatives, salt, and/or sugars — while ok in moderation — put excess strain on our cardiovascular system. Excessive animal fats can lead to clogged arteries and trigger a host of extra stress on heart health. Eating more plant-centric reduces risk of heart issues and stroke.

• Choose plants to support a healthy gut microbiome. Our intestines are home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. As it so happens, we need these to remain healthy, vibrant humans. It also happens that vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes are essential providers of the building blocks for a healthy gut microbiome.

Add to these health benefits feeling more energy, enjoying clearer skin, brighter eyes, better sleep, and an overall heightened feeling of well being as a result of fueling your body with nutritious foods that are easy on the taste buds. 

Choosing a wholesome plant-based diet extends beyond individual well-being — what’s good for us is good for the planet. Making even a slight transition from meat-based eating to one centered on plants lightens your foodprint and supports the earth’s biome.