The Plant-Based Diet Proves Healthy for Bodies and the Environment
Plant-based eating isn’t just about eating fruits and veggies all day, every day.
According to Kent State University nutrition graduate assistant Jacquelyn Oddo, “We like to talk about eating primarily plant foods, but supplementing those with animal sources.”
“If you consume plant-based and you cut down on your red meat intake, you reduce the higher risk of developing something like heart disease.”
The plant-based diet does not refer to just vegetarians. It means you focus less on meat and more on other plant sources. And experts say it can make you healthier.
“Ideally, you also reduce your risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, all kinds of health related reasons there,” said Sarah Korzan, a professor of nutrition at Kent State University.”Ideally, you also reduce your risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, all kinds of health related reasons there.”
Not only is plant-based eating good for your health and your body, it’s also good for the environment.
“Ideally, you also reduce your risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, all kinds of health related reasons there.”
Sarah Korzan, Nutrition Professor at Kent State University
Korzan said, “With global warming and everything, we see that it does help decrease your carbon footprint.”
Experts say this plant-based eating reduces the rates of harmful air pollution produced by livestock and it can even positively impact our water supply.
As a botanist and long-time vegetarian herself, Antigone Burke noted, “Through plant-based eating, it’s actually a huge decrease in the amount of wasted water. A lot of water goes into the meat industry and a lot of water is polluted by the meat industry.”
Experts say making simple changes can make big impacts for you and the planet. They say you can start gradually by going meatless on one day of the week.