The Benefits of Plant Based Foods
For meat eaters, the idea of incorporating more ‘plant based’ food into a diet can seem daunting, and for meat-lovers, terrifying! But, it’s important to understand that ‘incorporation’ doesn’t mean you have to cut out meat completely.
Rather, there are many benefits of eating meat and fish and many doctors and nutritionists argue that eating meat within moderation is a much healthier lifestyle. However, the one shared conclusion by all professionals is that plant based foods can bring a host of nutritional benefits to the body.
Scientists and dieticians have hailed the positive powers of a diet low in saturated fat and high in fresh fruit, wholegrains and vegetables. Iron, protein, zinc, calcium, fats and omega are just a handful of nutrients vital to human function, but their sources don’t necessarily have to come from animal product. For example, good protein can come just as much from nuts and seeds as it does from chicken.
Moving to a more plant based alkalising diet can impact the body in a big and positive way; mentally and physically, internally and externally. Here are a few reasons to consider opting for that freshly cooked sweet potatoes over fries, and a handful of berries over that late afternoon chocolate snack.
Did you know red meat can lead to high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is associated with numerous heart conditions and diseases, from suffering a stroke to getting Type 2 Diabetes during the later years in life. According to today’s research, eating red meat is a key cause of high blood pressure due to the body’s process of digesting it. When you consume red meat, whether beef, lamb or pork, the body’s process of metabolising it, also releases compounds which can elevate the blood.
Did you know that certain foods can help decrease the pain of chronic inflammation?
Inflammation is a protective response from the body. It happens when the body is trying to heal itself or clear an infection. A great example of this is a sprained ankle. When injured, the ankle can swell, becoming red and painful. The inflammatory process is necessary for the body to heal and restore the ankle back to full function. Although we don’t see it, the same principle can be applied to the internal process of our body’s digestive system.
Meats, sugar, fried and processed foods are notorious for gut inflammation. When the gut is inflamed, many people experience painful and uncomfortable symptoms including nausea, fatigue, acne, constipation and irregular blood sugar levels leading to highs and lows. Moving to an anti-inflammatory diet is one of the most effective ways to tackle this problem head on, and plant based alkaline foods are ideal for bringing the body back into balance and reducing this inflammation.
Did you know that eating a vegetarian diet means 2.5 times less carbon emissions than a meat diet?
As it stands, we are currently consuming the planet’s natural resources far quicker than we can replenish them. By shifting to a more plant based inclusive diet, not only are we aiding our health but we’re having a positive impact on the world around us. Limiting meat consumption has the power to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce environmental pollution. Right now, the food production process of farm-to-plate totals to 26% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, and so, by substituting our meat for plant based foods, we are each working to reduce carbon emissions to slow down global warming. Don't for get your alkaline water for the perfect finish!
A few of the top foods to consider when looking to shift to a plant based, alkaline diet:
Leafy greens: kale, spinach, lettuce and chard are just a few greens which can be blended into a smoothie, full of alkalising goodness.
Cruciferous vegetables: vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts are great alkalising-promoting foods. Green vegetables are known for their positive influence on the body, helping to prevent cancer and keep illness at bay.
Root vegetables: think sweet potatoes, carrots and beetroots - anything that can be uprooted from the earth. Root vegetables are packed full of fiber, complex carbohydrates, potassium and folate, all of which we need for a healthy body and mind.
Nuts and seeds: we’ve all read about the positive powers of nuts and their protein-packed benefits. Almonds, cashews and walnuts are loaded with antioxidants, helping to lower cholesterol and protect against diseases such as Alzheimers and dementia with their nutritionally rich content.
Limes and lemons: rather bitter? Although they are both high in citric acid, once metabolised, they become alkaline with a pH well above 7. They are the perfect accompaniment to any salad or smoothie.
For meat eaters, the idea of incorporating more ‘plant based’ food into a diet can seem daunting, and for meat-lovers, terrifying! But, it’s important to understand that ‘incorporation’ doesn’t mean you have to cut out meat completely.
Rather, there are many benefits of eating meat and fish and many doctors and nutritionists argue that eating meat within moderation is a much healthier lifestyle. However, the one shared conclusion by all professionals is that plant based foods can bring a host of nutritional benefits to the body.
Scientists and dieticians have hailed the positive powers of a diet low in saturated fat and high in fresh fruit, wholegrains and vegetables. Iron, protein, zinc, calcium, fats and omega are just a handful of nutrients vital to human function, but their sources don’t necessarily have to come from animal product. For example, good protein can come just as much from nuts and seeds as it does from chicken.
Moving to a more plant based alkalising diet can impact the body in a big and positive way; mentally and physically, internally and externally. Here are a few reasons to consider opting for that freshly cooked sweet potatoes over fries, and a handful of berries over that late afternoon chocolate snack.
Did you know red meat can lead to high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is associated with numerous heart conditions and diseases, from suffering a stroke to getting Type 2 Diabetes during the later years in life. According to today’s research, eating red meat is a key cause of high blood pressure due to the body’s process of digesting it. When you consume red meat, whether beef, lamb or pork, the body’s process of metabolising it, also releases compounds which can elevate the blood.
Did you know that certain foods can help decrease the pain of chronic inflammation?
Inflammation is a protective response from the body. It happens when the body is trying to heal itself or clear an infection. A great example of this is a sprained ankle. When injured, the ankle can swell, becoming red and painful. The inflammatory process is necessary for the body to heal and restore the ankle back to full function. Although we don’t see it, the same principle can be applied to the internal process of our body’s digestive system.
Meats, sugar, fried and processed foods are notorious for gut inflammation. When the gut is inflamed, many people experience painful and uncomfortable symptoms including nausea, fatigue, acne, constipation and irregular blood sugar levels leading to highs and lows. Moving to an anti-inflammatory diet is one of the most effective ways to tackle this problem head on, and plant based alkaline foods are ideal for bringing the body back into balance and reducing this inflammation.
Did you know that eating a vegetarian diet means 2.5 times less carbon emissions than a meat diet?
As it stands, we are currently consuming the planet’s natural resources far quicker than we can replenish them. By shifting to a more plant based inclusive diet, not only are we aiding our health but we’re having a positive impact on the world around us. Limiting meat consumption has the power to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce environmental pollution. Right now, the food production process of farm-to-plate totals to 26% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, and so, by substituting our meat for plant based foods, we are each working to reduce carbon emissions to slow down global warming.
A few of the top foods to consider when looking to shift to a plant based, alkaline diet:
Leafy greens: kale, spinach, lettuce and chard are just a few greens which can be blended into a smoothie, full of alkalising goodness.
Cruciferous vegetables: vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts are great alkalising-promoting foods. Green vegetables are known for their positive influence on the body, helping to prevent cancer and keep illness at bay.
Root vegetables: think sweet potatoes, carrots and beetroots - anything that can be uprooted from the earth. Root vegetables are packed full of fiber, complex carbohydrates, potassium and folate, all of which we need for a healthy body and mind.
Nuts and seeds: we’ve all read about the positive powers of nuts and their protein-packed benefits. Almonds, cashews and walnuts are loaded with antioxidants, helping to lower cholesterol and protect against diseases such as Alzheimers and dementia with their nutritionally rich content.
Limes and lemons: rather bitter? Although they are both high in citric acid, once metabolised, they become alkaline with a pH well above 7. They are the perfect accompaniment to any salad or smoothie.
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