Adding Plants to Your Diet

For those of us who love meat, fish, and other various animal byproducts such as dairy or cheese, the term “plant-forward eating” may give you pause. You have, like most people, more than likely heard of the health benefits of a vegan or vegetarian diet. Understandably, however, the idea of giving up your favorite foods and meals is not an option that is on the table. 

The good news, then, is that the concept of plant-forward eating means that you do not have to eliminate the animal-based foods that you love. It emphasizes instead the idea of putting plants at the forefront of meals and dishes, incorporating nutrient-rich plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, into each of your meals. By approaching meal times with this balanced mindset, adding nutritious plant-based options to your diet without completely sacrificing your favorites can be done both simply and deliciously. 

You may be wondering what the purpose or benefits of incorporating plant forward eating into your life may be, and the fact is that there are a lot of reasons to do so. Plant forward eating can help to support your brain, heart, and gut health, just for starters. Exploring these benefits and hearing some tips for incorporating plant foods into your meals can help to encourage you to do so, even if you’re finding yourself on a budget. Nutritious fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds all have several health benefits. 

While there is no such thing as a diet that can completely prevent cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease and other types of progressive dementia, more research has been done which seems to indicate that what you eat can help you to maintain the health of your brain as you age. A professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School developed what he calls six pillars for maintaining brain health. One of those pillars was eating a plant forward diet. 

The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, but the good news is that making healthy lifestyle choices can help to lower your risk of heart disease. What is even better news as well, is that the same lifestyle choices that lower your risk of heart disease also can help keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol at normal levels, which also lowers your risk of other ailments and chronic illnesses such as strokes or diabetes. One of the most impactful choices you can make is a healthful diet, which a plant forward diet is as it incorporates healthy vegetables and grains. 

Dietary fiber is an essential nutrient for older adults, which aids in the health of your gut and also heart. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Most plant based foods, especially whole grains, contain a mix of both of these types of fiber. Soluble fiber improves digestion, and also lowers cholesterol and blood glucose levels. For older adults, these are often health concerns of particular note. Insoluble fiber promotes both bowel health and regularity.