5 health benefits of a plant based diet

I wanted to reassure anyone who is wavering or unsure about whether a plant based diet is good for us! Often, we hear people criticise this diet, and we have all heard the old chestnut

“Are you eating enough?!”

Ironic isn’t it, when our foods are packed with nutrients!!

However, it can also make us think twice. I am here to show you that eating a well balanced whole food plant based diet is beneficial to our health.

 

1. Supports your immune system

Fruits and vegetables have essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants to help keep your cells healthy and your body & mind in balance so that your immune system can function optimally.

 

2. Reduces inflammation

Plants’ essential nutrients work to resolve inflammation in your body. The same tiny phytochemicals and antioxidants that boost your immune system also go around your body neutralizing toxins from pollution, processed food, bacteria, viruses and more.

 

3.  Maintains a healthy weight

Staying at a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk for certain diseases. Excess weight causes inflammation and hormonal imbalance. A WFPB diet will automatically remove many foods that could lead to weight gain then mix in some exercise, and you are on the right path!

 

4. Increases fibre

Eating a plant based diet rich with fibre improves the health of your gut so you are better able to absorb the nutrients from food that support your immune system and reduce inflammation. Fibre can lower cholesterol, stabilise blood sugar and improve your bowel management.

 

5. Reduces the risk of disease

A plant based diet also has been shown to reduce your risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and some mental health illnesses.

 

Lastly, I want to add that we can also fall into the trap of eating processed vegan foods which can have high sugar and fat content, so try to adhere to unprocessed, whole foods. For example, whole wheat bread instead of bleached white bread. Brown rice over white rice. You get the drift but at the same time, I don’t want to vilify having some sweets, white pasta and cake from time to time – it’s all about BALANCE! Heck, we all like a glass of wine at times too! Grapes right?! 😉

 

So from me to you, keep up the amazing work, enjoy the process and remember your body and mind will thank you for nourishing it well! And if you haven’t tried it, what are you waiting for?!

Love, Joanna xx

 

Ps. if you are interested in a free whole food plant based shopping list click here >