Why would I give up meat?
Going plant-based doesn’t necessarily mean you have to. Our definition of a plant-based diet allows for modest amounts of fish and lean meat. But more importantly, choosing a diet heavy in fruits and veggies may help ward off chronic diseases and keep you svelte in 2016 and years to come. U.S. News has gathered a few reasons to go the plant-based route.
Diabetes prevention
Roughly 387 million people are living with diabetes, and according to the International Diabetes Federation, that number is expected to soar to nearly 600 million by 2035. Type 2 diabetes is entirely preventable, and plenty of research suggests a plant-based diet can help ward off the disease.
Hypertension control
Lots of research, including some from the Harvard School of Public Health, suggests a diet loaded with fruits and veggies can lower blood pressure. About 1 in 3 American adults suffers from high blood pressure, meaning they’re at higher risk for heart disease and stroke — two leading causes of death in the United States.
Heart health
Harvard researchers tracked the health habits of about 110,000 people for 14 years, and found that the higher folks’ intakes of fruits and vegetables, the lower their chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Specifically, people who averaged eight-plus servings of fruits and veggies a day were 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, compared to those who had less than 1.5 daily servings.
Weight loss
There’s plenty of research suggesting vegetarians tend to consume fewer calories, and thus weigh less and have lower body mass indexes than non-vegetarians. While following a plant-based diet doesn’t necessarily mean going full-blown vegetarian, opting largely for fruits, veggies and whole grains in lieu of meat will likely leave you feeling fuller on fewer calories.
Fiber intake
Fiber keeps you “regular” by aiding in digestion and preventing constipation. Plus, it may also lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Following a plant-based diet means chowing down on loads of fruits and veggies, which are packed with fiber. Just one cup of raspberries or cooked green peas amounts to eight grams of fiber or more, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Vision value
As you may know, the vitamin A in carrots aids night vision. Your eyes might also thank you for a plant-based diet rich in spinach, kale, corn, squash, kiwi and grapes. The lutein and zeaxanthin pigments in these foods are thought to help prevent cataract and macular degeneration.
Skin care
Cutting back on animal products also means skipping much of their saturated fats, which are notorious for clogging pores. Plus, many of the vitamins, pigments and phytochemicals in fruits and veggies contribute to healthy skin. The lycopene in tomatoes, for example, helps protect your skin from sun damage, and the vitamin C in sweet potatoes smooths wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen.
What’s next?
Think you might want to give a plant-based diet a try? Check out these links:
More from U.S. News
10 Healthy Meals You Can Make in 10 Minutes
The Best Berries for Your Health
Seeds 101: A Guide, From Chia to Hemp
7 Reasons to Choose a Plant-Based Diet originally appeared on usnews.com
Update 01/05/16: This piece has been updated to reflect new dates and statistics.
