According to the World Health Organisation, poor diet accounts for approximately 22% of the adult deaths globally.
Not only does poor diet have a direct link to high mortality rate, it also contributes to the development of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes responsible for about 71% of global deaths, on a yearly basis.
Interestingly, a poor diet doesn't equate eating irregularly or in ridiculously small portions. It also means consuming unhealthy meals such as fast foods and processed food high in sugar, fats and sodium.
For this reason, many people have been making conscious efforts to eat healthily, with some others even resorting to a plant-based diet.
Whether you have been thinking about making a plant-based transition or simply want to know what it involves, this article provides details on everything you need to know.
What is Vegan Nutrition?
Vegan nutrition is withdrawal from eating animal products like meat and fish, replacing them with vegetables and fruits.
While reasons for practicing veganism may be different, ranging from health and ethics, to religion and morals, the importance of vegan nutrition is universal across the board. to live healthier lives, ethical, moral and/or, the importance of vegan nutrition is the same across the board.
Importance of Vegan Nutrition
As discussed earlier, a plant-based diet leads to healthier lives. Here's how plant-based nutrition can benefit you.
1. Improves Heart Health
A plant-based diet is synonymous to eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains which come with packs of fiber and antioxidants. A vegan diet lowers the level of cholesterol, blood pressure and the risk of heart diseases in comparison to animal products.
2. Reduces The Risk of Diseases
A plant-based meal reduces the risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes because fruits have a low glycemic index and are rich in fiber, which regulates blood sugar levels.
- Cardiovascular disease due to the presence of antioxidants and potassium in fruits.
- Hypertension because fruits that are rich in potassium such as bananas help keep blood pressure balanced.
- Cancer because fruits contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Obesity because fruits naturally have low calories and are high in fiber which help manage and regulate weight.
3. Boosts Digestive Health
Plant-based diets have high dietary fiber, which improves digestion, prevents constipation, and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
How To Safely Transition to a Plant-based Diet
If a plant-based diet makes any sense to you, attempting to get a hang of it in one single day is simply unrealistic. For safe dietary changes consider these steps:
1. Gradual Transition
The first step for a complete plant-based transition is to start slowly by replacing animal products with vegetables and fruits. This will give your body time to adjust.
2. Educate Yourself
In switching to a plant-based diet, you need to be sure the nutrients you'd be getting are precisely from fruits and vegetables. No better way to do this than by educating yourself.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water as plant-based diets are high in fiber, which can cause digestive discomfort if not handled properly especially as someone new to the diet.
Key Takeaway
Plant-based diets take you one step further into living a healthy and happy life. Not only do they reduce the risk of diseases, they also reduce obesity making you more active and jovial.