Plant-Based Diets By Stephen Lucke, MA, COF
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n recent years, there has been a growing interest in plant-based diets due to concerns about health, sustainability, and animal welfare. A plant-based diet is defined as a diet that emphasizes the consumption of whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds while limiting or eliminating animal products. Here are some of the benefits of a plant-based diet. . Improved Cardiovascular Health One of the most significant benefits of a plant-based diet is improved cardiovascular health. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, “Vegetarian diets are associated with lower blood pressure, lower levels of LDL cholesterol, and a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease.”
32 Spring 2023
Another study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that “Vegetarian diets, particularly vegan diets, are associated with lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure.” Reduced Risk of Chronic Disease Plant-based diets have also been associated with a reduced r i s k o f c h ro n i c d i s e a s e s such as diabetes, cancer,