There Are No Additional Health Benefits from Eating a Plant-based Diet | The Divine Hostess

“Are you a vegan?”, someone asked me this weekend, as they served themselves a plate of not so vegan-friendly food.  I get asked this question a lot when I am out and about– it could be the grocery store, a party, or in the workplace. When you choose to abstain from certain foods, people get curious and want to know why.

I happen to be vegetarian, and have been for almost 11 years now. As of late, I’ve started to lean more towards plant-based. I have stopped buying eggs and I am really getting into vegan cheeses.

Even still– I am not so sure I will ever be a card-carrying member of the vegan community like some others. For me, the title comes with much weight and controversy, and there have sadly been many times I have witnessed people forcefully try to teach others to be compassionate to animals, all while showing no compassion for the human being with whom they are conversing. I believe I can eat in a way that suits my needs and values, without a title.

But as I quietly went back to sipping my water, someone said:

“There are no additional health benefits from eating a plant-based diet. It doesn’t make you live longer and it doesn’t fight illnesses. There is no point.”

Now, I know better, and I am not one to debate– especially when I do not see people bringing any scientific facts to the argument. At this point in time, I believe it is quite obvious whether a person is vegan or not– they will benefit greatly from a diet made up of a large amount of vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

When eating intentionally, one can find that not only does food heal, but it works as a preventative measure before ever getting sick in the first place.

I want to share a few of the benefits, but keep in mind this only works if you actually eat plants.  It’s possible to be unhealthy as a vegan, just like any other diet. So when I share these benefits, I am assuming you eat more than lettuce and tomatoes and soy veggie patties.  That’s always the argument– that not all vegans are healthy.

Some of the benefits of a plant-based diet are:

1. It can lower blood sugar levels
2. A diet rich in phytochemicals, which helps prevent cancer.
3. Lower risk of heart disease.
4. Prevention of diabetes.
5. Higher intake of fiber, potassium, magnesium and folate.

If you’re curious about a plant-based diet, I would encourage you to check it out by doing your own research, visiting a restaurant, trying a new recipe, or talking to someone with experience. One great way is stopping by a food fair in a major city near you. When I went to Vegan Street Fair in Los Angeles, many visitors were not vegans, but simply were curious about this lifestyle or thinking of making major changes.

In my latest vlog, I share a little of what we tried. I am not a fan of fairs because they are usually very crowded and I don’t really like to walk and eat at the same time. Nonetheless, I find a way to have fun wherever I go! Click below to watch.