Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

At Jolly Llama, we know food ingredients are important. We care about what we eat, and we know you do, too. Loads of research backs up the facts that healthy foods not only benefit us physically, but mentally as well. 

Nowadays there seems to be an incalculable number of diets on the market. While some of them may prove successful temporarily, we all know a lifestyle change is what makes a diet’s results last. Plant-based diets do just that. 

What is a Plant-Based Diet?

Diets that are plant-based stress whole foods that are minimally processed, and center around plants (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, etc.). They also emphasize the importance of food quality, limiting refined foods and processed oils, while promoting organic, locally-grown foods as much as possible. 

This diet may sound similar to a vegan or vegetarian diet, but there are a few differences: Plant-based diets may avoid animal products altogether, or limit them. Those who follow a plant-based diet can also be more flexible by including dairy, poultry, seafood, eggs, honey, and meat in their meals– products that vegetarians and vegans won’t consume.

The benefits from adhering to this diet are quite impressive:

Weight Loss

The combination of consuming high-fiber foods in conjunction with abstaining from processed foods helps shed those unwanted pounds quickly. Several studies have shown this to be true. 

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Numerous studies have shown that risks for chronic heart disease and cardiovascular disease drop significantly when eating fruits and vegetables daily. In addition, one’s likelihood of having high cholesterol or high blood pressure are reduced drastically. 

Manage and Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Because a plant-based diet is low in fat, your insulin (which regulates your blood sugar levels) is better able to function properly, making it a powerful tool for both managing, preventing, and in some cases, reversing Type 2 Diabetes. Studies have shown that those who followed this lifestyle have a 34% lower risk of developing diabetes than their unhealthy eating/ non-plant based counterparts. 

Decreased Risk of Cancer

Certain types of cancer may be reduced or even prevented by adhering to a plant-based diet, including colon cancer and gastrointestinal cancer.

Diets high in meat and saturated fats have been shown to have an increased risk of colon and gastrointestinal cancer, but because a plant-based diet is low in those areas and has lots of whole grains, those who follow it have a significantly lower risk of getting it.

Improved Brain Health

Several recent studies have found that eating a plant-heavy diet can help lower your risk for cognitive impairment (like Alzheimer’s) later in life. The high amounts of plant compounds and antioxidants help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and can even reverse cognitive shortages. 

 

A plant-based diet might not be for everyone, but research shows how beneficial it is for our health. Whether or not you choose to follow this lifestyle, it is certain that foods from whole ingredients is good for you. Our Jolly Llama Sorbet Pops are made with real fruit and natural flavors, making them the perfect sweet addition to any healthy diet. Try our Strawberry, Mango, Pineapple, or Blackberry flavors today! 

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