'Our health is what we make of it - give it attention and it improves, give it none and it subsides." - John F Dermartini
YOUR HEALTH DOES MATTER
Because how you feel everyday will influence the quality of the life that you live. Incorporating more whole plant foods into your diet will only benefit you - through the increased fibre and nutrient intake, and the less room you'll have in your diet for more processed, or less nutritious food options.
From what I've learnt through my studies, as well as through research and my own personal experiences, the general consensus is that consuming high quality plant based foods regularly, (including all fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, legumes, nuts and seeds) is healthy, and provides our cells with an abundance of nutrients: vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre, healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates: Everything we need (except B12), all perfectly packaged in the quantities that our bodies can best utilise.
Animal products by default often contain large amounts of cholesterol, trans-, and saturated fats, which may not necessarily be beneficial to humans. The proteins found in animal products are also acid-producing in our bodies, which some evidence has shown can leach calcium from our bones, and also create free radicals that can alter the structure of our cells.
To be transparent, this information was not taught or adequately addressed at university, other than being shrugged off as a myth. However numerous studies have been done on this topic and there seems to be multiple sources of strong evidence out there. Because of industry funding, evidence can also be influenced, and information is often not publicly promoted or revealed.
EVIDENCE, FUNDING AND MY THOUGHTS >> DAIRY AS AN EXAMPLE
There is evidence supporting both sides, and the way I see it, more funding is provided by the dairy industry for studies in their favour. This being the case, I feel that we should all be open to questioning the necessity of dairy and other animal products in the adult diet.
Isn't it unnatural for a human or any other animal to be consuming breast milk after they have been weaned off it as a child? Therefore it makes no sense to me that humans require the breast milk of another species. There is no way we would drink human milk as adults and adolescents, so why is it that we feel comfortable putting some other animal's milk into our bodies?
Calcium is important, so ensuring you get enough from whatever source you choose is essential. Calcium fortified soy milk (look for 300mg per serve on the label) is essentially equal to cows milk in the amount of protein and calcium it contains.
Have an open mind, do your research and be open to new perspectives. You matter enough to make your own objective decisions based on the information out there.
YOUR HEALTH IS IN YOUR CONTROL
Not entirely, obviously there are some things we can't control, but how we choose to live, eat, and things we focus on, are ultimately in our control.
For more in depth information regarding the possible health effects of animal products, you could check out the following resources:
Forks over Knives (Documentary)
'The China Study', by Dr T. Collin Campbell (Book)
'How to not die', by Dr. Michael Greger (Book)
So many people who have switched to a plant based diet have reported better digestion, better sleep, greater energy levels, and a greater immunity to colds and flu's. (Short-term)
Vegans generally also have a much lower risk of chronic lifestyle diseases such cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers, compared to the standard Western diet. (Long-term)
So why not try it out yourself. Look into the facts, and do what feels right for you. I have personally experienced all of the short term benefits listed above, this is why I'm passionate about sharing and helping others experience better health for themselves. Living isn't just about getting through the day or not being sick. I believe people are designed to feel amazing, in tune and comfortable with our bodies, at least most of the time.
Our cells are constantly regenerating into new cells using the nutrients we take in - so we literally are what we eat ! Soul foods and cell foods both play an important role in nourishing the body and mind of a healthy individual. There is no 'good food' or 'bad food', but why not choose to fuel your body with living plant-foods, rather than the decaying flesh of a dead animal? At least way more regularly. It is your body and you're in control, remember that.
ความคิดเห็น