The Many Benefits of Eating More Plants

Plant-based eating is increasingly popular and the list of plants-only foods is ever expanding.

According to the Plant Based Foods Association and The Good Food Institute, U.S. retail sales of plant-based products have grown 11 percent in the past year to $4.5 billion. Studies show that nearly one-third of the U.S. population is on board, including more plant-based foods in their diet and cutting back on daily meat and dairy intake.

You don’t have to be vegetarian or vegan and never eat meat or dairy to enjoy eating plant-based, though. In fact, the flexitarian diet—defined as eating primarily vegetarian but occasionally consuming meat or fish—has health benefits for both the person and the planet. Research has revealed that switching from the average Western diet to flexitarian eating could decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent. Check out the latest crop of plant-based products.

Health Benefits of Plant-Forward Eating.

Research suggests that people who eat primarily plant-based:

• Have a lower body-mass index (BMI).
• Feel fuller, because plant-based foods are high in fiber, complex carbohydrates and water.
• Have reduced risk of certain types of cancer, as well as cognitive decline.
• Have lower rates of diabetes and heart disease than those who eat animal products.