Reaping and Health
Leading a plant-based lifestyle offers numerous health benefits, ranging from improved heart health to better digestion and reduced cancer risk. But one of the most immediate and significant impacts of transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan diet is the beneficial effect it can have on your cholesterol. Here are just a few of the benefits of going plant-based that impact your cholesterol levels and overall health:
Reduced cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that’s essential for good health but can become a problem when levels become too high. Plant-based diets are naturally lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than meat-based diets, so they help keep cholesterol levels in check.
High fiber
When it comes to lowering cholesterol, fiber-rich foods are a great choice as they help bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract and keep it from entering the bloodstream. Many plant-based foods are naturally high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Whole grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, both of which help to reduce cholesterol. Eating whole grains is important for lowering cholesterol and it’s easy to do when following a plant-based diet.
Healthy fats
Many plant-based foods are also naturally rich in healthy unsaturated fats, which are essential for tissue growth and development but can also help lower cholesterol levels when they replace saturated fats. Nuts, seeds, avocados and olives are all excellent sources of healthy fats.
In addition to reducing cholesterol levels, following a plant-based lifestyle can also help offset other risk factors for heart disease such as elevated blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. And since these diets are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, they’re also beneficial for weight loss or management.
There are a variety of ways to transition to a plant-based lifestyle, from slowly incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet to going cold turkey and eliminating all animal products. Whatever approach you take, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re getting enough vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. Eating a plant-based diet may not only positively impact cholesterol levels, but it can also improve overall health and wellbeing.
