April 21, 2021
There’s a lot of talk about whole plant-based foods these days. But what even are they?
Basically, whole food has one ingredient (think: apples, spinach, flaxseed, etc.) and it has not been processed.
Plant-based food comes primarily from plants. Examples include fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
So why does whole plant-based food feel so good when you eat it? Here are three reasons why.
3 Reasons Why Whole Plant-Based Food Feels Good
Whole Plant-Based Food Can Improve Your Health
Yes, food can be your medicine. And if you need proof, check out this science-based website run by Dr. Michael Greger featuring free updates on the latest nutrition research in short videos.
Adding more plants to your plate can help prevent and reverse heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases. An apple a day might actually keep the doctor away.
Whole Plant-Based Food Can Help the Environment
If everyone ate a typical North American meat-based diet, the world wouldn’t have enough energy, water, or land to produce enough food, according to Nutrition: Sciences and Applications. So by eating more plant-based foods, you’re helping the planet — doesn’t that feel good?
A lot of land is used to grow crops, like grain, that feed animals. And when we humans eat those animals, we only get back a small amount of the food energy we could have received from just eating the grain.
The energy from fossil fuel that is used in livestock production is also high. To read more about the environmental impact of meat consumption, check out this open case study from the University of British Columbia.
Whole Plant-Based Food Can Taste Phenomenal
There are thousands of ways to make plant-based meals the highlight of your day. From sweet nut-milk smoothies to veggie-packed pasta, the options are endless.
Don’t know where to start? Try out some of these recipes from NutraPhoria students that promote a healthy mind, body, spirit.
Enjoy your whole plant-based food!
