What to do to keep them healthy themselves? Consume the correct products. What are these? The answer is vegetable. The food you put in your mouth is a largely determinant of health and plays a big role in whether or not you are exposed to certain diseases. Only 20% of diseases are believed to be genetic. This means that 80% of the risk depends on your lifestyle.
But why plant-based food? Every fruit, vegetable, whole grain, seeds, nuts, and legumes have a unique blend of nutrients, including fiber, protein – yes, plants have protein – healthy carbohydrates and fats. They also contain vitamins and minerals as well as phytochemicals, sulforaphane and fiber.
Phytochemicals are compounds found only in plants that work to protect this plant from disease, and here’s an interesting fact: research shows that they do the same for humans. Sulforaphane is part of a family called isothiocyanates that you’ll find in anti-cancer foods – cruciferous vegetables. Eating sulforaphane-rich vegetables can protect against cancer through seven mechanisms: less inflammation, a better brain, better mood, better heart and vascular health, and greater insulin sensitivity. It even puts the body into fat burning mode for weight loss.
A plant-based diet means more fiber, and we need it. Prebiotic fiber is food for the gut microbes. Thanks to it, they release short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that have a healing effect throughout the body. SCFAs boost good gut microbes and weaken those contributing to inflammation that are bad. They also close openings in the colon, which are often called “leaky gut”, optimize the immune system, lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar.
Not to mention that SCFAs protect humans from killers like heart disease, stroke and cancer, and even cross the blood-brain barrier to improve brain function. In short, they are powerful. Plants have a complete monopoly on phytochemicals and fiber. No competition. You won’t find them anywhere else. So if you like what you’re reading about now, eat more plants.
Certain world populations rely on at least 90% of plant-based diets, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. Cow’s milk is not part of their diet and the meat is eaten sparingly, used as a festive food, side dish, or a way to taste dishes. Beyond that, however, there is a wealth of medical literature that suggests that a plant-based diet is the best option. The list published by the US News and World Report includes the best diets of 2020. The entire top 10 includes versions of the plant-based diet.