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How a plant-based diet can help you stay fit
Do you wonder what a plant-based diet can do to help you embrace a healthier lifestyle? We have all the answers for you
Wondering whether you should go for a diet to maintain your fitness and physical well-being? With all the options available, it can be difficult to choose from the right option. Health and wellness experts recommend diets that are full of fresh, natural ingredients and include minimally processed foods.
Opting for a plant-based diet can help improve your health and stimulate weight loss. So, what exactly is a plant-based diet? The basic principle of a whole foods plant-based (WFPB) diet is based on cutting down on processed and packaged food. Adding vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts can make your food habits nutritious and healthy.
Dr Nidhi Sahai, HOD - Clinical Nutrition/F&B at Max Super Speciality Hospital says, “Plant-based diets focus on increased intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, nuts and soy.”
Enlisting some important points to keep in mind, Sahai draws light to the benefits of switching to a plant-based diet:
1. Reduce the risk of heart disease
2. Lower the risk of obesity
3. Improve glycaemic control
4. Help in weight loss
5. Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and blood pressure
Many times, the diet is confused with veganism or vegetarianism. However, it is not the same. A vegan diet means refraining from all kinds of animal products, including dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and honey. However, the WFPB diet is more open-ended and variable. While people need to focus on natural products, the idea is not to entirely give up on animal products but to embrace healthier options.
Some of the most common plant-based diets include the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and the MIND diet. Rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, these food items help lower blood pressure, bad cholesterol, reduce the risk of diabetes.
