5 Benefits of Plant-Based Diets for Seniors

As we age, the risk of disease increases. From the age of 75 onwards, there is an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis and diabetes. The main reason for this is that the physical quality of life decreases. So it is not only nice to age without physical and mental discomfort, a healthy lifestyle also contributes to the prevention of age-related diseases.

It won’t have escaped anyone’s attention that science is becoming increasingly clear about a plant-based diet. There are health benefits for everyone, young and old. Older people have different needs for foods than when you are young. This is because your muscle mass decreases as you age. Because the aging process is different for everyone, there is no one size fits all. For medical advice, it is always advisable to consult a (vegan) dietitian.

Switching to a completely plant-based diet is not always easy, because products like meat and fish contain important nutrients, such as iron and vitamin B12. Fortunately, there are also plenty of plant-based products that contain these nutrients. Deep-seated patterns are especially difficult to break. Yet you eat and drink vegan more often than you think. With only minor adjustments, you can easily eat plant-based. Fine for your body, the planet and the animals!

Vegan vs Plant-Based

Eating vegan is often not seen as a diet, but more as a lifestyle. Most people who decide to become vegan do so in order to prevent animal suffering in this way. You are a vegan when you do not eat animal products (meat, fish, cheese, milk, honey etc.) and do not wear animal products (leather, wool, silk etc.).
When you eat only plant-based, most do so for health reasons. A plant-based diet basically consists of eating more healthy plant products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and nuts. Let’s face it, there are a tremendous number of health benefits to be gained when you eat plant-based!

5 Benefits you get From a Plant-Based Diet

1. More energy
   Because you are nourishing your body instead of filling it with a plant-based diet, you will be bursting with energy, both physically and mentally. That’s because of all the vitamins and minerals you’re providing your body. When you eat plant-based, you are also more likely to eat fruit. Fruit is a carbohydrate source and let that be our fuel!
   
2. More likely to have low blood pressure
   There are several studies that show a link between red meat consumption and hypertension. In addition, foods high in saturated fat, sodium/salt and cholesterol have also been shown to have a negative impact on blood pressure. A high potassium intake (potassium is a mineral that is abundant in a vegetarian or vegan diet) can cause high blood pressure to decrease. Sources of potassium include fruits, vegetables and nuts.
   
3. A stable (healthy) weight
   With a plant-based diet, you eat a lot of volume, without a lot of calories in the food. This ensures that you lose weight easily and quickly without having to keep track of your calorie intake.
   
4. Less chance of developing type 2 diabetes
   Multiple studies show that there is a link between consuming meat and the risk of diabetes. Compared to vegetarians and vegans, the risk of type 2 diabetes is as much as 30-40% higher for meat eaters. Here again, the more meat you eat, the higher the risk. The cause may be the absorption of saturated fatty acids when eaten. Saturated fatty acids cause excessive insulin concentration in the blood. Therefore, meat is a major risk factor on the development of diabetes.
   A plant-based diet with few processed foods is well suited for people with diabetes because it is low in saturated fatty acids but high in dietary fiber. Unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids also help keep your blood sugar levels low. To do this, eat walnuts, hemp seeds, flaxseeds or use oils from these nuts and seeds. Whole grain products and beans can help provide a satiated feeling and prevent large spikes and drops in your blood sugar.
   
5. Growing old healthier
   Because of all the above benefits, it goes without saying that there are a lot of health benefits to be had. Therefore, it is also a consequence to grow old healthier in general. You will stay fitter and more vital with a plant-based diet and in the long run you will reap the benefits. You stay fitter and more vital with a plant-based diet and in the long run you reap the benefits. Many diseases are recoverable by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, so you may even find that you don’t need to take medication anymore.

You’re Making a Statement With an Vegan Lifestyle!

The vegan lifestyle is often followed to make a statement and protect nature and the environment. But what does it help for and what happens when you follow this lifestyle.

• Animals
  Not contributing to animal use drastically reduces the number of animals that are confined, exploited and bred. In one year, a person can make a difference for dozens of animals.
• Caring for nature
  About 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and CO2 are caused by livestock farming. This makes them the main cause of global warming. It also causes soil pollution, air and water pollution and reduces biodiversity by cutting down rainforests. If you choose a plant-based diet, this will also ensure a cleaner and more liveable planet.
• More food
  At present 70% of agricultural land is used for food for livestock such as corn and soya. If less meat is eaten, more agricultural land can be used for our own consumption. Moreover, 7 kilos of cattle feed are needed to produce 1 kilo of meat. So the farmland can be used much better for our own consumption.