One of the main benefits of a plant based diet is that you will probably be consuming a lot more fruits and vegetables that are full of essential vitamins and minerals.
But is that the only benefit of a plant based diet?
There is a common misconception that you can’t build a strong body when eating a plant based diet because plants can’t provide enough protein, but this is not true at all!
Did you know that pro-athletes like Venus Williams are vegan? If you’d like to know more, check out these five overlooked healthy sources of vegan and vegetarian protein,
A vegan diet (or mostly vegan diet!) can be a great way to improve your nutrition, eat more lean protein and start feeling fit and healthy.
The health benefits of eating a plant based diet include better digestion, better nutrition, lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of lots of diseases like cancer.
There are also mental benefits when it comes to a plant based diet. You can feel more energised and feelings of depression, anxiety and fatigue can be reduced.
Of course, there are different kinds of plant based diets. If you only eat vegan pizza and Oreos, there aren’t going to be that many health benefits. A healthy plant based diet includes eating a variety of plant based foods so that you can consume enough vitamins and minerals.
This blog post will guide you through the general benefits of a balanced plant-based diet
Maybe it’ll even convince your sceptical friends or family about the health benefits of plantbased diet!
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The physical health benefits of eating a plant based diet include a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
There are a lot of general physical health benefits of eating a plant based diet too. For example, eating a plant based diet can mean cutting out many unhealthy foods like cake, ice cream and red meat that can cause weight gain.
If you eat a healthy plant based diet and incorporate exercise into your life, you’re much more likely to maintain a healthy weight!
Some even report having more energy on a plant based diet. This is probably because the body spends less time digesting the added sugars and saturated fats found in some animal derived products.
Following a vegan diet can also reduce the risk of migraines which are often triggered by animal-derived foods!
It’s important to remember that eating a plant based diet doesn’t mean you lead a sad life of eating broccoli and tofu, there are plenty of awesome vegan cakes and ice creams out there. (and of course, the vegan classic, Oreos)
It’s all about moderation!
One of the key health benefits of eating a plant based diet is a reduction in the risk of lots of different diseases. For example, eating a plant based diet can reduce your risk of heart disease, colon, breast and prostate cancer.
People following a plant based diet also have a reduced risk of developing type-2 diabetes. This is because following a plant based diet often means eating fewer sugary foods like cookies, cakes and pastries.
Finally, following a plant based diet can reduce your risk of heart disease!
Cholesterol is needed for building healthy cells, but having too much cholesterol can lead to heart disease.
Heart disease is a generic term for any condition affecting the heart. Eating foods that lower your cholesterol can reduce the risk of strokes, high blood pressure and heart attacks.
Foods high in cholesterol include milk, cheese, cream, beef and sausages. So, you won’t be surprised to learn that one of the health benefits of eating a plant based diet is lower cholesterol!
Studies have shown that people on a plant based diet generally had lower cholesterol than those on an omnivore diet.
Eating a plant-based diet can even reverse the risks of heart disease! If you’re looking to lower your cholesterol, then a plant-based diet is a great option for you!
Here are just some of the plant based diet foods that can reverse your risk of heart disease:
There is no need to eat a totally plant-based diet to feel all of its health benefits.
People are increasingly becoming ‘part-time’ vegans and vegetarians. This means they eat plant-based foods most of the time, and they will still feel many of the benefits of veganism on mostly plant based diet!
Interested in becoming a part time vegan or vegetarian? Check out our guide on how to go vegan the right way, which includes everything you need to know about plant based nutrition and tips on becoming a part-time vegan!
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If you are embracing a plant based diet, it’s highly likely that you’ll be packing lots more vitamin and mineral loaded fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Not only are vitamins and minerals essential to keeping essential systems in our bodies functioning (think your immune system, tissue repair and oxygen transport), but a lack of vitamins and minerals can lead to deficiency diseases like anaemia and scurvy. (yes, the thing pirates used to get!)
Luckily, for anyone wondering about the health benefits of a plant-based diet, all fruits and vegetables contain lots of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Take kale for example, a favourite among millennials, Beyoncé even famously dedicated a sweater to the leafy green. It contains vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, calcium, copper, and potassium. That’s a pretty impressive list.
All edible plants, fruits and vegetables are also full of fibre, which keeps you regular and helps you to feel more full!
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One of the biggest culprits when it comes to causing acne is dairy. The hormones used to stimulate growth in cows can also be found in cow’s milk and beef and can trigger breakouts.
A plant based diet has a lot of benefits for the skin because dairy products are cut out of your diet.
vitamin A, which is found in many vegan foods, is also one of the best vitamins for your skin. It helps blood flow to the surface of your skin (which will keep your cheeks nice and plump!)
A lot of vegan foods that are rich in vitamin A are orange! This includes carrots, apricots and sweet potatoes!
Because most vegan and vegetarian diets include more fruits and vegetables than omnivore diets, one of the health benefits of a plant based diet is an increased antioxidant intake.
Antioxidants basically reduce some of the bodily damage caused by oxidation which includes skin damage.
But it doesn’t end there, antioxidants can even brighten the skin and reduce irritation! Strawberries, avocado and sweet potatoes are great examples of vegan and vegetarian foods high in antioxidants.
The benefits of a plant based diet on skin are never-ending!
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No matter who you are, we all need to take care of our mental health. It’s essential to our well-being!
Did you know that physical health and mental health are strongly connected? There are a lot of mental benefits of a plant based diet!
Some of the health benefits of a plant-based diet include improved nutrition, an increased intake of healthy carbohydrates and a reduced intake of saturated fats.
This all impacts your energy levels and can leave you feeling nourished and more positive in your own skin.
This can also lead to a clearer mind which can in-turn reduce the stressfulness of difficult situations! (Win win!)
Some have even linked a plant based diet to a reduction in feelings of anxiety, depression and fatigue.
It’s truly amazing how a plant based diet benefits your mental and emotional well being in so many different ways!
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Generally, a plant based diet includes more fruits and vegetables, lean protein and nutrients. On top of that, it often means reducing or cutting out your consumption of unhealthy saturated fats, carbohydrates and added sugars.
Because of this, a plant based diet benefits your mind, body and spirit!
Did you know that there is a way of getting all the health benefits of eating a plant-based diet, without putting all the effort into cooking?
It’s with a Plant Sumo subscription!
With a Plant Sumo subscription, you can get healthy, delicious and soothing vegan and vegetarian meals delivered to your door, ready to eat. Some of our awesome meals include our Better Not Gnocchi, Sumo Squash Stew and Marinara V Balls!
With the option to order one-off meal boxes, there is no commitment! So if you’re trying out part-time veganism, a Plant Sumo is a great option for you. (There are still lots of health benefits to eating a mostly plant based diet!)
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The plant-based diet is considered to be healthier because it reduces multiple diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
The one benefit of a plant-based diet is that you can lose weight faster and keep it off because you are getting a meal packed with fiber.
Here are the 5 benefits of a plant-based diet.
We’re Plant Sumo, a London-based UK vegan meal prep service, delivering innovative, exciting, and flavoursome plant-based meals. If you’re on the hunt for healthy and delicious vegan food in London, look no further.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plant Sumo’s Soul Curry has been the perfect fully plant based substitute for my favorite curry dishes and I look forward to this option with each order – Lydia Sims
