A plant-based diet is rich in foods that come from plants with little or no animal products.

Examples of plant-based foods include:

• • fruits
  • vegetables
  • nuts
  • seeds
  • whole grains
  • legumes – beans, peas, and lentils
  • herbs and spices

Examples of animal products that are reduced or avoided include:

• • meat
  • milk
  • cheese
  • yogurt
  • honey

If you are considering following a plant-based diet or are interested in just including more plant-based food in your meal plan, then you should know that the science is clear – this way of eating reduces your risk of developing a chronic disease like diabetes or heart disease and improves your health and well-being.

Still not sure this is a good idea for you? Then here are 5 great reasons to include more plant-based foods in your meal plan.

1. 1. Reduces Inflammation. Why is this important? Well, inflammation is your body’s way of trying to heal itself, but chronic (long-term) inflammation increases your risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and depression because it weakens your immune system and increases the risk of it attacking your own body.
   2. Increases Fiber.  Why is this important? Fiber helps your body get rid of cholesterol in your blood and helps you regulate your blood sugar which is important in preventing diabetes. Fiber also reduces the risk of constipation.
   3. Boosts Immune System. Why is this important? Your immune system protects you from disease and illness including bacteria, viruses, toxins, and fungi. When your immune system is strong, it increases your body’s ability to fight off things that can make you sick.
   4. Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight. Why is this important? Keeping your weight within a healthy range reduces your risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and depression. Fat cells reduce your body’s ability to control cancer cells.
   5. Reduces Risk of Cancer.   How can it help? All of the benefits listed above also help prevent cancer. For example, plant-based diets are rich in fiber which helps prevent cancers like stomach, colon, and rectal cancers and helps control hormones that can cause breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. A strong immune system helps your body’s cells stay healthy and cancer is caused by unhealthy cells.

Interested in learning more? Check out Salient Lifestyle Center’s classes. They are fun and will provide you with support and guidance from the coach and other participants. These classes are great for everyone including beginners and people who have struggled with improving their diets before. Give it a try!