We are a culture obsessed with finding the “next best thing.” And our diets are no exception. We’re constantly bombarded with new diet trends, “must-have” supplements, “miracle cures,” and “superfoods.” So, how will you recognize those things which are worth incorporating into your diet? In this blog post, I’m focusing on a diet which has stood the test of time — a plant-based diet, often used interchangeably with terms “vegetarian” or “vegan” diets. Note that my use of the word “diet.” This doesn’t reflect a fad, but rather a lifestyle.

Perhaps you’ve wondered what the difference is between a vegetarian and vegan diet?

While these two diets are similar, key differences exist. Modern vegetarians tend to consume dairy (lacto) and eggs (ovo), and some also include seafood (pescatarian). Vegans, on the other hand, do not consume or useany animal products. Veganism is a lifestyle, while vegetarianism is a diet.

Health benefits:

Lower risk of heart disease

Evidence suggests that vegetarians and vegans have a lower risk of heart disease. According to Harvard Medical, “Combined analysis of data from five prospective studies involving more than 76,000 participants published several years ago found that vegetarians were, on average, 25% less likely to die of heart disease.”

Lower risk of cancer

The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends following a plant-based diet. A plant-based diet has been shown to help with cancer prevention. Plant-based foods contain phytochemicals, nutrients your immune system needs to fight off diseases like cancer. “Compared to the non-vegetarians – vegetarians had almost a 10 percent reduced risk of all cancers combined. An association existed between a vegetarian diet and reduced risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus and stomach, colon and pancreas.”

Reduced inflammation

Following a vegan also diet greatly reduces inflammation, easing the symptoms of arthritis and stopping the advancement of rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. MacDougall refers to a vegan diet as, “The only hope for arthritis.”  He states that, “An unhealthy diet containing dairy and other animal products causes inflammation of the intestinal surfaces and thereby increases the passage of dietary and/or bacterial antigens (Br J Rheumatol 33:638, 1994). A vegan diet (one with no animal products) changes the fecal microbial flora in rheumatoid arthritis patients. These changes in the fecal flora improve arthritis activity (Br J Rheumatol 36:64, 1997).”

Improved blood sugar control and insulin response

According the Mayo Clinic, “Eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts — features of a vegetarian diet — can improve blood sugar control and make your body more responsive to insulin. This may mean taking less medication and lowering your risk of diabetes-related complications.”

Ready to Get Healthy?

Many additional benefits accompany a plant-based diet, such as weight control, improved gut health, and healthier skin.  Interested in transitioning into this diet? Start with eating a vegetarian diet twice a week, adding additional days as you acclimate. And to aid you in your pursuit for health, I recommend Liquid BioCell by Modere. Modere uses three different formulas combined with the multi-patented power of Collagen/HA Matrix® Technology. The added benefits include 13 potent, phytonutrient-rich superfoods and resveratrol. These infuse with a unique liquid delivery system to provide fast absorption and results. I would love to discuss it with you. Contact me today if you have decided it’s time to take your health seriously.