Health and fitness are prerequisites for keeping up with our fast-paced lifestyles. One of the key factors for maintaining optimal health is our diet. A good diet that is rich in natural ingredients can help us achieve holistic health and well-being. This is where a plant-based diet comes as a boon.
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Not only is it fresh and full of whole ingredients but also easy to obtain. However, this is different from a vegan or vegetarian diet since these include abstinence from animal products. We got in touch with Rishubh Satiya, co-founder of Plix, a plant-based nutrition brand to elaborate on how it helps to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Basic principles of a whole-food, plant-based diet
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1. Emphasis is on whole and minimally processed foods.
2. No animal products are included.
3. Focus is on plants, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, which should make up most of what you eat.
4. Refined foods like white flour, added sugar and processed oils are eliminated.
5. Food quality is superior, especially with a focus on organic or locally sourced food.
The many benefits of a plant-based diet
1. Aids weight loss and prevents lifestyle disorders
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Having foods with high fiber content and excluding processed foods can help in shedding those extra kilos. This is where a plant-based diet can help. Plant-based foods are low in fat and cholesterol-free, and contain compounds that help in averting conditions like heart diseases, high blood pressure, etc. A plant-based diet can also give you healthy and supple skin and hair!
2. Prevents cognitive decline
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Studies have shown that diets rich in vegetables and fruits help to slow down or prevent cognitive decline. It is also known to be effective in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. This is because the different compounds and antioxidants in plants help in reversing cognitive deficits.
3. Good for the planet
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A plant-based diet ensures that we have a smaller environmental footprint. Sustainable eating habits can eventually reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and land used for factory farming.
So, starting today, make well-informed food choices, figure out the ingredients in your diet, and tweak some of your favourite dishes to make them healthier.
Lead Image Credit: Athiya Shetty and Esha Gupta, Instagram
