5 Benefits of a Plant-based Diet

Most people go on a diet with just one goal: to lose weight. However, somewhere along the way, they usually start to notice other benefits too, like increased self-esteem and confidence. Well, there are some positive results that you’re likely to experience on a plant-based diet in particular. These are just a few of them.
 
1. Clearer Skin
This is one benefit of eating mainly plants that a lot of people don’t realize until they actually start doing it. Yet, most plant eaters will tell you that the condition of their skin improved by taking this different approach to food.
 
For instance, one woman, by the name of Rachel, blogged about how her skin is more “hydrated and glowy” after returning to an almost vegan diet. She also shares how the effects aren’t just visible on her face, either. It helped her back acne disappear almost completely, even though she had previously struggled with this issue all of her life.
 
2. Easier Waste Disposal
This point is important for people who find going to the bathroom kind of, well, straining. With plants being so high in fiber, you can likely expect that your time spent in the bathroom will be a whole lot easier when you start eating more of them.
 
Because they’re so effective for digestive functioning though, some people do notice distress via gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort by adding plants too quickly. This is true especially if their bodies aren’t used to them. For this reason, you might want to switch to a plant-based diet slowly to avoid the aforementioned issues.
 
3. More Energy
You know how some diets leave you feeling drained, both mentally and physically? That’s not what you can expect when eating a plant-based diet. In fact, it will likely be just the opposite as you might have more energy than you’ve ever had before!
 
According to health experts, the reason behind this energy surge from plants is because you’re getting so many vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in your diet when you eat this way. Plus, because the foods are natural, they’re easier for your digestive tract to break down, giving you more energy to use in other areas of your life, like actually having fun!
 
4. Higher Sleep Quality
A number of people who set aside meat for plants report that they sleep better as a result. This could be due to a number of factors. For example, if you have sleep apnea because you are overweight, eating a plant-based diet can help you lose the weight, ultimately easing your apnea and providing you with better sleep.
 
Additionally, because you have more energy during the day, it’s more likely that you’ll tire yourself out physically, making it easier to sleep. And if your meat-based food choices used to keep you up with tummy troubles, you’ll lose those when you switch your diet, which means even better sleep yet.
 
5. Better Health
Like a lot of other healthy eating plans, eating primarily plants provides a number of health-related benefits. These include reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, and a healthier heart. This makes eating your fruits, veggies, and nuts critical not only to your health now, but your future health as well.
 
Sometimes, eating a plant-based can even help improve medical conditions that you’re currently facing. For instance, Jil Larsen was diagnosed with a condition called melasma that caused brown patches to appear on her skin. However, she was able to reverse her condition when she switched up her diet. She removed meat and dairy completely, and she instead focused on integrative nutrition methods and juicing.
 
So, what do you say? Are you ready to start eating more plants so you can get these benefits?

This post was written by guest blogger Paul Bryant, a freelance writer from Los Angeles, Calif., who writes about a number of topics. Most recently, however, he's taken a strong interest in fitness, healthy living, and the benefits of switching to a plant-based diet.  Although I don't follow a plan-based diet myself, I do enjoy presenting fitness information from many perspectives - and many of these benefits can be had even if you just increase your plant-based intake.