A plant-based diet can provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain health conditions, including atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Vegetarian diets are associated with a lower risk of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer. In addition, plant-based diets are low in fat, in combination with other healthy lifestyle factors, have been shown to be effective in treating these diseases.
“Low intake of foods containing saturated fats and cholesterol, and high consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, green vegetables, nuts and seeds, and soy products that are rich in fiber and antioxidants are components of a vegetarian diet that contribute to the reduction of chronic diseases” (Geo-health-Nutritionist Carlos Muñoz, 2020)[1].
Benefits of a plant based diet:
- Cancer prevention.
Many studies show that people who decrease their consumption of animal protein have a 50 percent lower risk of dying from cancer. Colon cancer has been directly linked to meat consumption. - Prevention of heart disease
A decrease in vegetable protein intake also prevents heart disease. Meat is the main source of saturated fat and source of cholesterol in the diet, meat does not contain fiber, which would help to reduce - The control of hypertension
It was found that simply two weeks of a diet low in animal protein is enough to reduce blood pressure. - Prevention of diabetes
Observational studies show that the frequency of type 2 diabetes is 1.6 to 2 times lower on a plant-based diet. Clinical studies showed that vegetarian diets lead to greater weight loss and a greater reduction in fasting blood glucose.
[1] GEOSALUD – MUÑOZ Carlos. (2020). Alimentación Plant Based. Salud y Nutrición
