FOR OUR HEALTH
Last but not least, many choose to shift to a plant based diet for health reasons. In modern society, we lead longer but NOT healthier lives. We have long life spans, but shorter health spans (ie the period of your life where you are independent, and healthy in mind and body).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that poor dietary choices are now the number one preventable cause of death globally (even more deaths attributed to poor diet than smoking).
Why choose a whole food, plant-based diet for optimal physical and mental health and well being?
There is one healthiest diet for all humans, young or old, healthy or aiming for health, from any walk of life and from anywhere. This diet is called a plant-based, whole food diet. It is the type of eating our ancestors have been doing for millennia, it is what the longest living populations on Earth eat.
A whole food, plant-based diet is wonderfully rewarding to body, mind and soul. It adds life to your years and years to life. It is bursting with a wonderful array of flavours, goodness, textures and varieties.
Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
It optimises immune function by reducing inflammation, and optimised immune system is essential in fighting infections, and decreasing the incidence of immune mediated diseases like arthritis, lupus, asthma and eczema etc
It optimises body weight (reverses obesity) and increases physical and mental health
Only plants have absolutely essential naturally occurring phytonutrients, fibre, Vitamin C and more
Plants are a complete source of protein and healthy fats
Complex carbohydrates (wholegrain and unprocessed starches) are our bodies fuel for daily living, only plants have them
Fibre is only found in plants, 80% of people do not get enough fibre. Fiber is food for the microbiome and thus crucial in gut health. A healthy gut and happy microbiome is the key to decreasing risk of many diseases such as cancers, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and more
Plants have 0 cholesterol and are low in fat (raised cholesterol and triglycerides in blood is a direct risk factor for heart disease and stroke). Cholesterol and fats are directly linked to heart disease, stroke and more.
There is a wide range of easily available plant based whole foods to satisfy all palates, young and old alike.
Below is a review of some common medical conditions in our population and how WFPB eating may help.
