Eat Plants to Reduce Risk of Chronic Disease

Eat Plants to Reduce Risk of Chronic Disease

 

15 Apr 2024

Replacing animal products with plant foods significantly reduces the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that vegetarians and vegans have a lower body mass index (BMI) and maintain healthier weights as compared to meateaters. They also have lower blood pressure and lower rates of diabetes and cancer. People on a strict plant-based diet should take a vitamin B12 supplement, a vitamin that comes from micro-organisms and is found in fortified foods or animal products. It’s possible for a vegan diet to provide enough B12 to avoid anemia and nervous system damage, but possibly not enough to avoid a deficiency that could lead to potential risk of heart disease or pregnancy complications.