Is Meat Killing Us? 8 Reasons A Plant-based Diet Can Benefit Your Health And The Planet

The demand for livestock in America has increased by more than 400% since the 1950s, and it’s not just meat on our plates that’s taking a toll. It’s also having a vast effect on the planet. Is the way we eat killing us? 

In this blog, we’ll explore eight benefits of plant-based eating, and why it’s the answer to our world’s food and climate crises. 

1. You’ll help reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Even a small change to people’s diets can have life-changing results on the environment and the future of our planet. 

The livestock industry is a leading cause of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. That means that, although we rightfully blame big oil for polluting our planet, its contribution isn’t as significant as the livestock industry. It’s just easier to point fingers at oil companies because they’re not feeding us day in and day out.

In fact, 80% of GHG emissions come from agriculture (according to the Worldwatch Institute), specifically from the raising and use of cattle, pigs, chickens and other animals in the meat industry. The livestock industry is, unsurprisingly, also one of the biggest threats to our plant life. Foods like wheat and soy that we feed to livestock are necessary for human survival. The plant food that we’re throwing away as animal feed could be used to feed humans directly—and there’s plenty of plant food to go around.

The studies are clear: plant-based eating brings us good health, and it also saves the planet.

2. Plant-based eating tastes great 

Get cooking with plants! Along with being good for us, plant-based eating can also taste great! Plant-based meats and honey like Mindful FÜD's Chick'n and Bee-Mindful Hunnie (made from apples, not bees!) are delicious alternatives to traditional animal products.

You don’t have to be a vegetarian or vegan to benefit from plant-based eating; you just have to add more plant foods to your diet. You can choose plant-based proteins for all of your meals and snacks, or you can simply choose plant-based protein when cooking at home. Another option is vegan versions of popular dishes, like plant-based burgers and plant-milk ice cream.

3. A plant-based diet can help you eat healthier 

Many people think plant-based eating is restrictive or boring, but plant-based foods are actually delicious and satisfying—and can even help reduce your cravings for unhealthy foods. Eating plant-based, whole foods can help your body lessen cravings for sugar, salt and fat.

4. You’ll live longer and stronger

Plant-based diets have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, and help prevent obesity. A  plant-based diet can also improve physical fitness, and may even reverse damage caused by animal-based diets. For example, it’s been shown that some people with type 2 diabetes have been able to reverse their condition by changing their diet and swapping plant-based foods for meat and dairy products. 

5. You’ll help promote diversity in agriculture

We know plant-based eating is good for our health, but it’s also much less destructive to the plant life that helps us survive. 

Like we mentioned above, a  plant-based diet has a significantly lower carbon footprint, so it’s good for the plant life we need to survive and for our planet as a whole.

Plant-based eating helps preserve plant diversity in agriculture by using fewer resources such as water. Plant-based foods are also more efficient to produce, which is another way plant-based diets help preserve plant resources.

6. You’ll be happier and healthier

Eating plant-based foods has been linked to a lower risk of depression, and even in some cases reversing symptoms of depression. It’s also been associated with higher energy levels, fewer allergies, and reduced symptoms of asthma. 

7. You’ll gain back time and energy 

A plant-based diet can give you more time and energy to do the things that are important to you. For example, plant-based eating both saves you time and is easier on your wallet, so there’s more money for travel or hobbies, or simply time to get enough sleep!

8. You’ll help save animals 

Along with helping protect human health and helping save plant life, plant-based eating means you can play a role in helping prevent cruelty to animals.

You don’t have to be plant-based 100% of the time—everyone starts somewhere!—but plant-based eating is a great way to improve your health and protect the planet. Simply adding more plant-based food into your diet will make a difference and have a powerful impact. 

If you’re ready to try plant-based eating, check out these plant-based proteins and plant-based meal ideas. You can also search online for “plant-based recipes” to find so many great plant-based alternatives for all your favourite foods. For extra motivation, keep a plant-based food journal or log and write down all the changes you notice from plant-based eating!

If you remember one thing from this blog, it’s that plant-based diets aren’t just good for our health, they’re also much less destructive to plant life than animal products. It’s good for you, and good for the planet!

 

Good luck in your journey: we’re here cheering you on every step of the way!

Love, Venessa

Looking for more information on plant-based foods? Check out our other blogs here. Don’t forget to follow us on social @Mindful_Fud, and share this with your friends and family so they can explore plant-based living too. 

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.