Type 2 Diabetes And Other Chronic Diseases Can Be Avoided By Consuming Plant-Based Diets

Type 2 diabetes risk can be reduced if people consume plant-based diets more. A study found that meals containing plants like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts are capable of preventing chronic diseases.

The research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health supports previous claims of the study on the health benefits of vegetarian diets, Science Daily reported. Consuming sweetened foods and beverages on a regular basis has negative effects on a person's health such as weight gain, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular illnesses and metabolic syndrome, Medical Daily listed.

Reducing Consumption Of Animals Helps Too

According to the study, plant-based diets can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 20 percent. If you want better results, a healthy version of a plant-based diet lowers diabetes risk by 34 percent. A less healthy version, which constitutes refined grains, potatoes and sugar-sweetened beverages reduces diabetes risk by 16 percent.

The research also found that decreasing animal food consumption from five to six servings per day to around 4 servings per day lowers diabetes risk. Specifically, reducing red and processed meats consumption can help people prevent type 2 diabetes.

As for the reason behind plant-based diets' magic, researchers said it's because vegetables are laden with antioxidants, fiber, unsaturated fatty acids and micronutrients like magnesium, Science Daily noted. Plants don't have high saturated fat content, and it also helps cultivate a healthy gut microbiome.

Rise Of Veganism Trend

Society has been leaning into veganism in recent years. It is now easier to avail vegan food because mainstream supermarkets and specialist health-food stores are keeping stock of them. Social media has also helped in making people aware of the benefits of eating vegetables and fruits, The Guardian reported.

Factory farming of meat and dairy also impacts the environment. A study found that eating a vegan or plant-based diet can significantly lower emissions borne from agricultural and food production by 63 to 70 percent, the news outlet added.

In the United Kingdom, only 150,000 people are vegan back in 2006. Now it has reached an impressive 542,000 thanks to social media. Forty-two percent of the country's vegans are aged between 15 and 34.

The rise of veganism in the U.K. mostly constitutes young people opting for a plant-based diet. Social media platforms like Instagram are making teenagers aware of the health benefits of vegetables and fruits. Celebrities following plant-based diets also encourage their social media followers to do the same, according to The Guardian.