A plant based diet describes a way of eating that focuses on consuming foods primarily from plant sources such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, and oils. A whole food plant based diet is centered on whole, unrefined or minimally refined plant foods. In simple terms, eating plants that have not been altered from their original form. A plant based diet excludes or minimizes the consumption of meat, dairy products, eggs, and highly refined foods such as bleached flour and refined sugar., and processed foods found on the grocery aisle shelves. A plant based diet has been shown to promote health and reduce the risk of many diseases including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes and more.
Plants have so many benefits, many of which we likely have not yet discovered. Plants are an amazing source of nutrients and can offer just about everything your body needs. You can find all of the building blocks necessary for our bodies in plants including carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, sugars and fats. Beyond the necessary building blocks of food, plants contain phytonutrients known to enhance health.
How can plants help prevent cancer or reduce the risk of recurrence?
Increasing immune system enhancing plant components called phytonutrients.
Plants help our intestinal tracts maintain a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria to enhance the body’s defenses against cancer.
Consumption of soy products is linked to decreased incidence of cancer and improved survival rates
Increased fiber intake from plant sources reduces the rate of colon cancer, decreases cholesterol, stabilizes your blood sugar
Cruciferous vegetables are associated with increased survival rates and may be better overall at reducing the risk of cancer when compared to other vegetables.
Antioxidant effects - help repair cellular damage
Helps to maintain a normal body weight. Individuals that consume plant based diet tend to be more trim/slim/normal BMI
There is so much that food can offer our bodies and when we become mindful and thoughtful about what we put into our bodies it can have an amazing impact on healing, health and energy.