The Benefits of a Plant-based Diet
The number of people who follow a plant-based diet has increased a whopping 3000% from 2004 to 2020. That equates to about 9.7 million Americans.
But veganism isn’t just the next trendy diet. It’s a lifestyle that has a profound effect on your overall health. If you’re interested in adopting a vegan diet, but not sure where to start, know that Dr. Jean Ann Beaton provides dietary guidance as a part of health coaching and weight loss support here at Dupont Private Health in Washington, DC.
In the meantime, here are the top benefits of a plant-based diet.
1. Reduced inflammation in your body
Certain foods, especially processed foods, can cause inflammation in your body. When inflammation happens, your white blood cells produce chemicals that enter your blood to protect your body from invaders. When the “invaders'' are food that you eat regularly, this leads to a chronic state of inflammation. Left unchecked, inflammation can trigger a range of disorders from arthritis to certain cancers.
The good news is that plant-based diets (especially the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables) can help reduce the inflammation in your body. Some of the best foods to reduce inflammation include berries, broccoli, avocados, green tea, mushrooms, peppers, grapes, and turmeric.
2. Reduced risk of diabetes
Inflammation can increase your risk of diabetes by increasing insulin resistance. In addition to inflammation increasing your risk of diabetes, eating meat is also linked to an increased risk of diabetes, according to a 2017 Singapore Chinese Health Study.
Turning to a plant-based diet can help you avoid the inflammation that leads to insulin resistance.
3. Reduced risk of heart disease
Meat, cheese, and eggs contain cholesterol and saturated fats, and if you consume a lot of these foods, the excess cholesterol can lead to plaque build-up in your arteries – a known risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Plant-based foods, on the other hand, contain zero dietary cholesterol. They also contain fiber, which is good for your heart health.
Researchers have found that people who adhere to a plant-based diet have lower cholesterol levels than non-vegans.
4. Improved brain health
Plant-based diets don’t just improve your heart health; they can also support your brain health, reduce your risk of dementia, and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. Plant-based diets tend to be higher in antioxidants, folate, and vitamins, all of which directly support your brain health, according to a 2017 report published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.
5. Improved gut health
Did you know that your gut is linked to your immune function and your serotonin production? Your microbiome, which is housed in your gut, is a healthy mix of beneficial bacteria that supports your metabolism, immune system, bowel movements, and even some hormones. When your gut microbiome is unbalanced, it can affect all aspects of your physical health.
Plant-based diets can support healthy gut function, and it doesn’t take long to see the effects. Researchers found that it only takes 16 weeks on a vegan diet to show noticeable effects on your gut health.
6. Reduced risk of certain cancers
Thanks to the nutrients that occur naturally in plants, plant-based diets can prevent up to 33% of all cancer cases. This is especially true for gastrointestinal, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers.
7. Improved athletic performance
Though protein is essential for building muscles, you don’t need to rely on meat to get your protein intake. Plant-based diets can deliver the protein you need without the added risks of inflammation associated with high meat consumption. Vegan diets include plenty of heart-healthy foods, such as whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts 一 all of which provide anti-inflammatory and immune benefits for athletes.
Ready to transition to a plant-based diet but not sure where to start?
When you’re first starting to explore a new diet, it can be overwhelming. There is a lot of misinformation about plant-based diets, but here at Dupont Private Health, Dr. Beaton can help you make the transition to a plant-based diet 一 and separate all of the diet myths from facts. Through our concierge program, you have all the tools to help successfully make new diet changes. This includes:
24/7 connectivity to Dr. Beaton via a custom telehealth app
Complimentary 1:1 Health Coaching
Same- or next-day appointments, regardless of medical necessity
Wellness Events (nutrition-related)
Ready to schedule an appointment? Call our office today at (202)-978-6071, or click here to request an appointment.
