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Why You Should Switch To A Plant-Based Diet

The benefits are manifold. It’s great for the heart, prevents diabetes, detoxes your body and is great for the environment.

Overview

Plant-based diets are eating habits based on consumption of foods mostly derived from plants. This includes fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts, beans, legumes, seeds, and grains. Unlike <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/non-meat-alternatives-for-vegetarians">vegetarian</a> and vegan diets, plant-based diets do not necessarily exclude animal protein or dairy products. 
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There are a variety of plant-based diets that may or may not include different kinds of animal products. These do include vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as flexitarian diets that exclude most animal products but can include dairy and eggs. Pescatarians avoid meat and poultry but eat fish, and may also eat dairy or eggs. Pollo-vegetarians don&rsquo;t eat beef, lamb, mutton and other animal products but include poultry in their diets. 
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The Mediterranean diet is a good example like a plant-based diet. Foods like fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, and yoghurt can be a regular part of the diet. Carbs like bread and pasta are also included. Beef, mutton, and lamb can also be part of a Mediterranean diet, though to a lesser degree. 
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Though it&rsquo;s not advisable to restrict foods you like eating, plant-based diets do encourage whole foods while recommending moderate consumption of highly processed foods. 
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Plant-Based Diets

Plant-based diets can help the body function optimally because they offer a range of necessary nutrients and micronutrients. These include protein, essential fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 
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Plant-Based Diets Benefit Your Cardiovascular System:

Large-scale studies have shown that plant-based diets lower the risk of heart disease while improving cardiovascular parameters like blood pressure and cholesterol. Plant-based diets have also shown to not only manage but reverse the effects of Type 2 diabetes. Consuming whole, plant-based foods regularly improves the body&rsquo;s insulin function and regulates blood sugar. 
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Plant-Based Diets Are Rich In Fibre And Antioxidants: 

Plant-based foods are rich in fibre, which removes excess hormones that contribute to the development of breast and prostate cancer. By efficiently removing waste from the digestive system, fibre also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. Rich in antioxidants, folate, and Vitamin E, plant-based foods also provide protection against Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease while improving general physical and mental functioning in older adults. 
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Plant-Based Diets Contain Micronutrients That Boost Immunity:

The variety of essential micronutrients provided by plant-based foods also help our immune system function optimally. A healthy immune system, in turn, protects the body from a number of diseases from the common cold to cancer. These micronutrients also neutralise toxins in our body that come from pollution, viruses, bacteria, processed foods etc. This helps decrease inflammation in the body and the risk of inflammatory diseases like arthritis. 
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Plant-Based Diets Are Eco-Friendly:&nbsp; 

The benefits of a plant-based diet extend beyond one&rsquo;s own body. Consuming animal products in moderation is also beneficial for the environment. This is because rearing cattle and poultry is a resource-consuming process that also contributes a significant amount of climate altering greenhouse gases. 
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Conclusion

Adopting a plant-based diet does not necessarily require a complete overhaul of your kitchen cupboards. A lot of our everyday staples already fall within a plant-based diet. Legumes, rice, and bread are already a common part of our diets. With the variety of produce available in Pakistan, you can experiment with different kinds of vegetables and fruits. Find the vegetables you most enjoy and learn to prepare them in quick and easy ways. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can manage to shift into a plant-based diet in a way that&rsquo;s both sustainable and beneficial for you. 
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