4 reasons plants are the true superfood
It seems as if every day there’s a “television doctor” proclaiming that a food is the next new superfood. You’ve heard it before – acai berry, kale, quinoa and even blueberries have been lauded as nutritionally dense, low calorie options for your diet that you absolutely must incorporate.
Well, we’re here to change your mind. Science has shown that there are few better ways to lose weight and improve your health than by adding plants to your diet. It’s as simple as that. There’s no need to whip up a kale-blueberry-acai-probiotic smoothie every morning. Instead, simply begin to integrate more plants into your meals. Here are 4 reasons plants are the real superfoods.
1. Many plants are loaded with fiber.Fiber is one of the most essential nutrients you can add to your diet to lose weight. See, fiber isn’t readily digested by your body. Instead, insoluble fiber acts as a “bulking” agent, which serves to keep you feeling full and will even help your digestive tract pass waste from your body.
Great sources of fiber include nuts and seeds as well as lima beans, kale, spinach and broccoli. Whether you’re vegan or you eat meat. nutritionists recommend you fill at least half your plate with veggies and fruit to consume the optimal amount of fiber and nutrients.
If you’re not trying to lose weight, you’ll still benefit from a high fiber diet! Studies show that dietary fiber can help to decrease your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even certain types of cancer!
Read more about high fiber foods.
2. Plants can protect your body.There’s a good chance you’ve heard the term antioxidant, right? You’ve seen the commercials: antioxidants can protect your body from free radicals that are damaging to your health. So what does that mean?
“Free radicals” are unstable molecules in your body that are produced when you’re exposed to harmful substances. For instance, air pollution, tobacco smoke and even fried foods can contribute to the formation of free radicals. These molecules have been associated with many diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s and many others.
How do you protect yourself from free radicals? By incorporating plants into your diet. Berries, nuts, seeds and even chocolate contain antioxidants that will help stabilize these harmful molecules. Beta carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E are the three best sources, so be sure to munch on nuts, carrots and oranges!
Read more about how plants can power us.
3. Plants are naturally low in fat.Not all plants are fat free. For example, a cup of almonds contains 45 grams of fat. However, there are different types of fats. Meat from animals contains saturated fat, which has been linked to heart disease, high cholesterol and stroke.
However, the fat found in plants is generally unsaturated. Unsaturated fats are essential to your health! Science has shown that these healthy fats can help to reduce your LDL cholesterol levels, assist with controlling your blood sugar and keep your blood pressure down.
In addition to keeping your circulatory system healthy, the fats found in plants are fundamental to your overall health. Fats keep your brain functioning, your metabolism active, your skin clear and smooth and joint pain at bay. Olives, avocados, nuts and dark chocolate are great options to eat in moderation to get your daily allowance of unsaturated fat.
Learn more about fat vs. sugar.
4. Plants balance calories with high nutrition.The USDA recommends that adults get a certain allotment of each vitamin and mineral every day. Vitamins C, A, E, D and B are a few, while sodium, iron and potassium are among the minerals you’ll need to include in your diet.
You might wonder, though, “How on earth will I get all these nutrients without consuming 15,000 calories per day?” The answer? Eat plants!
Studies have shown that vegetarians consume 363 fewer calories per day than those who eat meat… naturally! Despite that, however, vegetarians have higher intakes of essential nutrients like vitamin A, C, E and B as well as minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium. Just by consuming a plant-based diet!
Read more about why plant-based protein is better for you.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
You don’t need to stock up on acai berries and kale to maintain a healthy weight and fend off disease. Veestro makes switching to a plant based diet easy. Choose our weight loss plan or select the Chef’s Choice option. Or, if you like, you can choose your menu items a la carte, electing for menu options like Country Fried Chick’n and Mushroom Stroganoff.
Delicious meals are delivered right to your door, fully cooked and ready to heat and serve. Are you ready to take the plunge into a plant-based, healthy lifestyle? Let’s get started!
