Benefits of Going Plant-based

Oct. 26, 2016

A plant-based is diet is good for you, good for the planet, good for everyone! Find out the benefits for yourself!

What are the benefits of switching to a plant-based diet? Not only do the latest science and research studies prove it to be the most effective lifestyle for decreasing risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, it is also a great tool for losing fat and improving overall health and vitality. Not to mention going plant based creates a significant impact on improving the planet!

What can you expect when going plant-based or even simply eating fewer animal products?

Reprogram DNA, Slow Aging, and Repair the Body

The food we eat, our lifestyles, and our environments alter our gene expression and how genes communicate in the body. Plant-based foods have the ability to slow aging by increasing the length of our telomeres, the tips of the body's chromosomes that aid in securing our DNA. Plant-based foods that are high in antioxidants have the ability to alter gene expression in the body helping to heal, repair and revitalize the body, not to mention, slowing the growth of cancer.

Slash High Cholesterol and Disease Risks

Did you know our body naturally creates cholesterol? While, we need Cholesterol for hormone function and other functions in the body, exogenous cholesterol in meat and dairy can actually do more harm than good in the body. Plants contain zero cholesterol. Studies have proven plant-based diets to reduce cholesterol safely and efficiently. Eating more plant foods has shown to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even inflammation in the body. Animal proteins often contain saturated fat, heme iron, endotoxins, nitrates, chemicals, dyes, preservatives. These alter the way insulin is regulated in the body, leading to weight gain, inflammation, and damage to the kidneys and pancreas. Chronic inflammation may also lead to autoimmune diseases. Easy ways to reduce inflammation is by eating more vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients found exclusively in plants and plant-based supplements.

You Will Still Receive Adequate Protein!

Protein deficiency is unheard of if you are consuming enough calories.

The Institute of Medicine's protein RDAs are calculated using 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. An adult who weighs 68 kilograms needs at least 54 grams of protein each day. The RDA for pregnant and nursing women is 71 grams of protein per day. One scoop of Sunwarrior protein has a whopping 17 grams!

Some other high protein foods include:

Tofu- 25g per cup
Oats- 17g per ½ cup (dry weight)
Ezekial bread- 11g per 100g or 4-5g per slice
Chickpeas- 20g per cup (cooked)
Split peas- 25g per cup (cooked)
Lentils- 27g per cup (cooked)
Kidney beans- 24g per cup (cooked)
Black bean pasta- 46g per 100g (dry weight)
Spinach- 14g per 500g
Broccoli- 14g per 500g
Cauliflower- 10g per 500g
Mushrooms- 15g per 500g
Potato- 10g per 500g
Kale- 16g per 500g
Green peas- 8g per cup
Almonds- 10.5g per 50g
Hemp seed- 18g per 50g

You can see how easy it is to get everything you need without the consumption of animal products!

You Will Help The Planet and Animals

Did you know animal agriculture is now the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, water use, species extinction, and forest destruction?

Worldwide, 70 billion animals are raised for consumption and the meat and dairy industry account for 29% of fresh water use. It takes 100 gallons of water to produce a single egg and 2,000 gallons for one pound of beef. Every meal counts, and no change is too small. Try going plant-based for one meal a day such as a "meatless Monday!" It is never too late to live a healthier lifestyle and give back to the planet. Your body will thank you!

Make your own chewy granola bars!

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