If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to eat healthier, we have six reasons why you should consume a plant-based diet in 2021. Traditionally, yogis abstained from eating meat for karmic reasons.
Vedic practitioners urged their students to give up meat to aid their spiritual development as it prevented the energy from flowing freely in the body. In modern times, people have various reasons for choosing a veg-based diet, and we’ve selected our six favourite facts to inspire your journey this Veganuary.
1. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Dairy and meats products are rich in saturated fats. Cutting down on meat and cheese will improve your cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
2. REDUCES THE RISK OF CANCER
Plant-based foods provide phytochemicals, which help prevent and heal the body from cancer, boost protective enzymes, and work with antioxidants in the body.
3. REDUCES THE RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS
Plant-based protein from beans and grains lowers the risk of osteoporosis.
4. HEALTHY BONES
Nuts, seeds and dark leafy greens are an excellent magnesium source, which aids the bodies to absorb calcium, leading to healthy bones and gums.
5. IMPROVE YOUR MOOD
If you’re working from home, a plant-based diet can improve your mood and your productivity. A study in 2014 found that removing meat, fish and poultry improved their participants’ mood in just two weeks. They suffered from less depression, anxiety and tension.
6. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Eating less meat is better for the environment! The livestock sector is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas. Cutting the demand for beef reduces the level of emissions created due to production.
