In recent years, attention to the impact of diet on overall health has become a major talking point in the wellness world. One of the most effective strategies to promote health and prevent diseases is to adopt plant based therapeutic dietThese diets, rich in unprocessed plant foods, have gained recognition for their healing abilities and ability to strengthen the body’s natural defenses.

We talk to an expert about how a plant-based diet, if followed correctly, can play a major role in disease prevention.

According to Simrat Kathuria, CEO and chief dietitian of The Diet Experts, a plant-based therapeutic diet prioritizes whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, while reducing or eliminating animal products. goes. These foods are naturally rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which are important for maintaining optimal health. “A diet rich in these plant foods helps reduce chronic inflammation,” says Kathuria, “and that’s important because inflammation is the root cause of many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and even autoimmune disorders.” Also included.

She says plant compounds, such as flavonoids, found in berries, green tea and leafy greens, neutralize free radicals and support body detoxification systemThis makes the plant-based diet powerful in reducing inflammation and thus reducing the risk of chronic diseases, while also helping people with existing conditions manage their symptoms more effectively.

cardiovascular health One of the primary beneficiaries of a plant-based diet. Kathuria emphasizes that a diet rich in saturated fat, prevalent in animal products, contributes to high cholesterol levelsleads to plaque build up in arteries,

“Plant-based diets, however, are free of cholesterol and low in unhealthy fats,” she says, adding that people who follow these diets have a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease. .

“Oats, beans, and flax seeds are particularly beneficial for heart health, as they are rich in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood pressure,” explains Kathuria.

She says plant-based diets are also excellent for prevention. Management of Type 2 DiabetesWhole grains and beans are high in fiber, which slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to control blood sugar levels. Additionally, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables protect the body’s cells from damage, reducing insulin resistance And further supporting diabetes management.

Gut health is increasingly being considered fundamental to overall well-being, and Kathuria emphasizes the importance of fiber in a plant-based diet to promote a healthy gut microbiome. “The fiber in plant foods nourishes the good bacteria in our gut,” she explains. This balance of gut bacteria plays an important role in digestion, immune function, and the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease.

Emphasizing the overall benefits of a plant-based therapeutic diet, she adds, “By maintaining a healthy gut, we support not only our digestive system but also our immune system.”

Kathuria also points to the environmental benefits of plant-based diets, saying that by reducing reliance on animal products, these diets help reduce the carbon footprint and environmental harms associated with factory farming. This makes the shift to a plant-based diet not only a personal health decision but also a positive environmental choice.

“By harnessing the healing power of plants, we can protect ourselves from chronic diseases and improve our quality of life,” she says. Whether one wants to prevent health problems or improve their current condition, Kathuria believes that a plant-based diet may be the key to healing from within.

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