New Study Reveals a Plant-Based Diet Can Help With Weight Loss: Find Out How and What Food to Eat
Plus, learn how even meat eaters can get the perks just by consuming more veggies!
It’s no secret that vegan and vegetarian diets can improve your health, boosting everything from lung function to sleep quality. That’s likely why 70 percent of Americans eat at least some plant-based foods, according to the Plant Based Foods Association.
But recent research published in Frontiers in Nutrition reveals yet another perk to including more vegetables in your diet: it can help you shed pounds and prevent heart disease. Keep reading to find out more about the study that uncovered a link between plant-based diets and weight loss. Plus, learn how even meat eaters could see the same benefits just by making a change to the number of veggies they consume.
The details on the Frontiers in Nutrition study on plant-based diets and weight loss
For this new study, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University medical researchers were interested in investigating the relationship between vegetarianism and obesity. Specifically, they wanted to know if a high consumption of raw vegetables could lead to a healthy drop in weight.
In the research paper, scientists looked at data from 24 previous studies that focused on the link between weight loss and plant-based diets. They collected data from 2,223 people aged 18 to 82 who took part in diets that ranged anywhere from two to 96 weeks.
After analyzing the data, the researchers noticed a clear link between diet and the ability to shed pounds.
What were the results of the study on plant-based diets and weight loss?
When the researchers looked carefully at the data from those 24 studies, they noticed plant-based diets had a positive impact on people’s health that became even more apparent over time. It was also discovered that an increased consumption of raw vegetables for any adult was linked to a lower risk of both obesity and heart problems. (Click through for more weight loss secrets).
However, those who were considered vegetarian or vegan were not the only ones to see benefits. While those choosing a plant-based diet reportedly lost the most weight, it was not significantly more than people who still ate eggs and dairy as part of their diet. This suggests that eating a considerable number of vegetables can be an effective weight loss strategy regardless of overall diet preferences.
What does the plant-based diets and weight loss study mean for you and your diet?
For anyone looking to lose a lot of weight, a vegetarian diet (even on a temporary basis) may be helpful. “Obesity and its associated complications not only lead to increased morbidity and mortality, but also to a reduced quality of life,” write the researchers. “A plant-based diet is a viable option for people who want to control their body weight and improve the quality of their diet to prevent and treat metabolic diseases.”
Not interested in cutting out meat or animal products entirely? Just boost your daily intake of veggies.
“Raw vegetables contain phytosterols and unsaturated fats that lower blood cholesterol concentrations,” the researchers explain in their review. “They also contain various substances (e.g., tocopherols, ascorbate, carotenoids, saponins, and flavonoids) that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
To reap the most benefits, it’s best to munch on at least some veggies raw. The reason? Many of the health-boosting nutrients in vegetables are heat-sensitive, so cooking them depletes those benefits.
Traditionally, it’s been recommended to load up on eight servings of vegetables each day, even for those who consume meat. That can seem a bit daunting though! Consider starting small; it can still make a difference. Check out our tricks to sneak more vegetables into your day.
For more health news, keep reading!
More Than Half of Women Report Feeling Gaslit by Their Doctor Regarding PCOS and IBS: New Study
The FDA Approved Self-Swab HPV Tests, But Are They Worth It? A Women’s Health Doctor Weighs In
What Is the Healthiest Bread? Experts Say This Trendy Loaf Nixes Cravings and Steadies Blood Sugar
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. First For Women does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
