What is the Truth Behind Veganism?

We have heard the saying, "You are what you eat!", a lot over the past decade from health and fitness fanatics, but what does it really mean?

It is the concept behind the principle that your diet and lifestyle greatly influence your ability to prevent, treat, cure, or avoid illnesses. There are cases where this may not be true. However, when you understand the possibilities this brings into your life, it is hard not to take advantage of the knowledge.

What is Healthy Eating?

Healthy eating is the act of regularly consuming food for nutrients, energy, and feeling good. There is no strict diet requirement for a healthy diet. However, the body needs protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The only requirement is to choose the healthier options from each of the necessary categories.

What is the Truth Behind Veganism?

With all the health benefits of a plant-based diet, holistic care providers strongly recommend it for overall and long-term wellness.

Research shows that plant-based diets are cost-effective, low-risk interventions that may lower body mass index, blood pressure, HbA1C, and cholesterol levels. They may also reduce the number of medications needed to treat chronic diseases and lower ischemic heart disease mortality rates; Tuso, Philip J et al. “Nutritional update for physicians: plant-based diets.” The Permanente journal vol. 17,2 (2013): 61-6. doi:10.7812/TPP/12-085.

Plant-based diets consisting of fruits and vegetables are one of the quickest sources of healthy sustenance for the body. Some fruits and vegetables have medicinal properties as well. If you choose to go plant-based, the advantages are endless. There are some fruits and vegetables that everyone should try to include in their diets because of the health benefits.

Here are 5 Fruits and 5 Vegetables You Need to Include in Your Diet:

Fruits

1. Pomegranate seeds are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin E, magnesium, and fatty acids.

2. Boysenberry anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory and cancer inhibitory properties.

3. Papaya contains papain. Papain is a kind of proteolytic enzyme that can help with digestion. It has many digestive enzymes and can be helpful to people who suffer from cystic fibrosis or pancreatic disorders. Papaya contains properties that help skin health due to its protein enzymes, such as papain and chymopapain.

4. Sweet Orange can be used in alternative medicine to treat ailments and problems. It can also rejuvenate the skin with the action of the AHA, in skin care. It also stimulates the lymph system.

5. Elderberry juice is a good cleanser. It can be taken as a tonic to boost the health of the reproductive and glandular systems. It is also an anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and immuno-stimulant.
   

Vegetables

1. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and broccoli. These vegetables are a great source of vitamins E, C, and K, folate, and fiber.

2. Leafy vegetables such as kale, collard leaves, and spinach are rich in vitamin A, C, and K.

3. Root vegetables like sweet potato, ginger, carrots, turmeric, and beets. These vegetables are a good source of folate, potassium, complex carbohydrates, manganese, and vitamins A, B, and C.

4. Marrow vegetables like pumpkin, cucumber, and zucchini are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, niacin, folate, and the vitamin B group.

5. Allium vegetables like garlic, onion, and shallots are packed with selenium, manganese, folate, and potassium. Onions and garlic have soluble fibers called fructans that promote gut bacteria.

Do you need help with meal planning?

Princess Akeema Holistic care offers meal planning and grocery list assistance plans. Don't hesitate to reach out for more help!