As we know, a WFPB diet is a lifestyle that encourages the intake of whole plant food also known as ‘foods-as-grown’ such as whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, mushrooms, herbs, spices, nuts and seeds and minimises or eliminates the intake of processed and refined foods such as bleached flours, refined sugars and oils and animal based foods including meat, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy products.
This lifestyle choice has the power to prevent and reverse disease, as well as countless other benefits which will be defined later. When it comes to healthy eating, emphasis is often placed on recommendations based on individual nutrients, but this shouldn’t be the case as we don’t eat nutrients, we eat whole foods! Therefore, instead of focusing on individual nutrients, a WFPB diet emphasises the combined nutrient composition that is optimal for human health.
As previously mentioned, a WFPB diet has the power to prevent and even reverse chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Other benefits of a Plant Based diet include:
- decrease cancer risk
- slow progression of certain cancers
- prevent and halt progression of certain autoimmune diseases
- lower cholesterol
- lower blood pressure
- help with digestion and relieve constipation
- prevent and reverse erectile dysfunction
- encourage healthy weight loss
- encourage weight management
- improve immune function – lower risk or colds and flu
- prevent asthma, allergies, acne and acid reflux
- increase energy
- improve sleep quality
- decrease stress levels
- improves mood
- improve mental clarity and concentration
- increase longevity
- reduce appearance of aging
- and as an extra bonus, following a WFPB diet is friendly on the environment!
It’s pretty amazing and unbelievable that by simply eating whole, unrefined plants your body can not only benefit, but thrive, and add a number of quality years to your life! If any of the above conditions stand out to you or you are experiencing them yourself, I highly recommend doing further reading in regards to plant-based eating. There are mountains of evidence supporting these claims and even more individual testimonies to support it too. So go on and give it a shot. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain!*
*Speak to your GP before making any changes to your diet, especially if you are taking any medications.
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