Plant-based nutrition is one of the most recent ideas proposed to improve our world and health. Even though our doctor does not recommend food regiments (yet), research shows that food has a significant impact on our health. It is also less expensive for our society than prescribing medication.

5 Reasons To Begin Eating Plant Based Foods Today

Diri Onisogenime Orugbani

As our society evolves, we are constantly confronted with the need to modify our habits and behaviors in order to improve our health and quality of life. Climate change, food insecurity, and chronic disease affect more than 40% of our population.

Plant-based nutrition is one of the most recent ideas proposed to improve our world and health. Even though our doctor does not recommend food regiments (yet), research shows that food has a significant impact on our health. It is also less expensive for our society than prescribing medication. 

Our understanding of plant-based eating may differ from person to person. Plantbased eating is defined as getting a large portion of one's nutrition from vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, whole grains, and legumes or other plants.

You have access to a wide range of plant-based nutrition options. Some adhere to a strict vegan diet, while others consume animal products such as dairy (vegetarian), and those on the other end of the spectrum consume meat, poultry, and fish on occasion. 

We used to think that early humans ate a lot of animal protein in their diet. It is because of this belief that the Paleo diet (which is primarily composed of animal protein) became extremely popular in the world of nutrition and diet in the 2000s.

Despite this, we now know that bipedal primates and Homo sapiens were primarily fed nuts, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and water. The "original" Paleo Diet was, in that case, plant-based eating. 

It is also related to the fact that some of the most powerful animals on the planet are not carnivores. The gorilla is the most powerful mammal (most are herbivores). It can lift approximately 4409 lbs, which is 10 times its body weight. It would be equivalent to a 200-pound person lifting a 2000-pound object.

If other mammals can live a healthy and strong life on a plant-based diet, we should be able to as well. Plant-based nutrition is a great option for those of us who want to be a better and healthier person, whether you want to save the animals, become healthier, or simply feel better. 

Choosing plant-based nutrition does not have to be a difficult decision. Still not persuaded? Here are five reasons why you should begin eating plant-based nutrition right away: 

Furthermore, increasing your consumption of vegetables, grains, and beans will add fiber to your diet. Fiber consumption should range from 25 g (women) to 38 g (men) per day. Unfortunately, we consume 15 g per day on average. That is insufficient for the majority of us and can have a negative impact on the bowels, causing constipation or hemorrhoids.

Fiber consumption can also help prevent and reduce heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer, according to research. Fiber has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. The average daily protein intake for most Americans is 46 g (women) and 56 g (men) (men). One cup of shredded cheese contains approximately 26 g of protein, while one cup of diced chicken contains approximately 38 g of protein.

That means that if you eat cottage cheese with a glass of milk for breakfast, an egg sandwich for lunch, and a ribeye steak for dinner, you are likely to consume twice the recommended daily protein intake. You can see why the average American consumes around 100 g of protein per day. 

Our society appears to consume an excessive amount of protein, which can lead to bowel or digestion problems. Although some people require more protein than others, our protein-rich diet is generally excessive. A plant-based diet can help us achieve our health goals without exceeding the daily intake recommendation.

It was once thought that adding animal protein to your diet would help you gain muscle mass. Some studies and athletes have shown that eating a plant-based diet can help you gain muscle and stay fit. 

Scott Jurek, an American ultramarathoner and one of the best runners of all time, is known to be a plant-based eater! 

Despite thousands of studies demonstrating the health benefits of eating vegetables to prevent illness, many people refuse to change their diet to improve their quality of life.

Too many people believe that exercise, medication, and supplements are enough to keep them healthy. Meanwhile, health and wellness experts say that weight management is 75-80 percent nutrition and 20-25 percent exercise. 

Plant-based eaters, according to some research, showed fewer signs of depression and mental illness than omnivores. There is still much more research to be done, and some factors to consider (such as sugar intake), but these studies are very promising. The best way to find out is to give it a shot and see how you react.

Plant-based eating entails consuming a large portion of your meals from plant-based sources. Having said that, fruits and vegetables are frequently the first thing that come to mind when we think of plant-based nutrition.

According to some studies, only 15% of our population meets the daily minimum requirement for fruits and even less (10%) for vegetables. Nutrition experts from around the world agree that a lack of fruits and vegetables contributes to the obesity epidemic and chronic diseases associated with poor nutrition, particularly in our country. While exercise is important, nutrition is most likely the primary cause of our country's obesity epidemic.

Individuals who follow a plant-based diet tend to consume fewer calories than those who consume animal protein. Because the majority of their calories come from healthier sources and they consume fewer calories per weight. Plant-based eaters consume less processed food and avoid meat-centric restaurants such as fast-food chains that offer unhealthy meal options.

Furthermore, studies show that people who ate a plantbased diet and consumed less sodium (2300-1500 mg per day) had lower blood pressure and lost more weight. However, it is critical to understand that plant-based food does not always imply healthy food. Another plant-based food to avoid is sugar.

As you will see in the following section, research shows that people who eat a plant-based diet can prevent chronic disease, reduce obesity, and generally promote health and quality of life. 

According to a World Health Organization report, consuming 400 g of fruits and vegetables daily can help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity.

To put this in context, one tomato weighs approximately 75 g, while a medium-sized potato weighs approximately 150 g. A medium apple weighs about 150 g, and a small kiwi weighs about 75 g. 

Did you know that our country's population spends more than $30 billion on supplements each year? What if you didn't have to spend that money? You are more likely to receive all of the nutrients you require from natural sources if you follow a plant-based diet.

This not only saves you money, but it also saves you from having to remember to buy and consume supplements. Despite thousands of studies demonstrating the health benefits of eating vegetables to prevent illness, many people refuse to change their diet to improve their quality of life. 

Agriculture consumes roughly 70% of our fresh water (globally on average). However, the production of meat necessitates 1000 times more water (1 kg necessitates 5000 to 20,000 liters of water) than some grains such as wheat (1 kg of wheat requires between 500 and 4000 liters of water). 

Furthermore, much of the grain is grown to feed the animals we eat, and if we started eating that grain instead of meat, less water and resources would be used to produce animal food.

To summarize, plant-based eating is for everyone; the goal is not to "diet" or eliminate anything from your diet, but rather to increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and legumes. 

Now is the time to put your knowledge into action. Choose a day to begin your plant-based nutrition, plan your meals (find recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), make a grocery list, go shopping (get your groceries), and implement the change! Plant-based eating is more of a way of life than a diet. Make it simple and enjoyable!

Check out my "Healthy Living" ebook for more information on healthy eating and good foods to try. The following is a link to the book: 

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