The Benefits of a Plant-Based Lifestyle for an Active and Healthy Life
Have you ever found yourself curious about a plant-based lifestyle? Perhaps you have watched documentaries such as The Game Changers and seeing those athletes who swear by a plant-based diet make you want to explore this path? Perhaps you are not so sure where to start?
Contrary to popular belief, plant-based eating is really not that daunting but, instead, it can be a delicious and healthy way to eat. Not to mention the health benefits that one can get by applying this lifestyle is so abundant that even experts recommend it for cancer prevention.
For Julie Bach, founder of Wellness for Cancer, plant-based eating can play a fundamental role in cancer treatment and prevention as it is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals.
“I am not a cancer survivor myself but I have lost family members due to cancer. So I do my best to live a plant-based diet and pass the knowledge as well as other living well practices to decrease my risks,” Julie said, reminiscing her own story.
“For those undergoing cancer treatment, a plant-based diet can also help manage symptoms such as nausea and fatigue.”
Julie noted many cancers could take about 10 years or more to develop, which means it is fundamental to watch what we eat every day in order to prevent cancer or keep them at bay from reoccurring. She explained that cancer-free dietary habits are often plant-centered – in other words: vegetables are viewed more as the entree than a side dish.
“This is a complete shift in the mindset of meat or protein being the center of the plate. El Camino Hospital’s Cancer Healthy plate recommends ½ vegetables and fruit, ¼ lean protein, and ¼ whole grains,” she said.
The fact that plant-based diets are high in natural fiber has been shown to reduce cancer risk and moderate insulin levels.
“While no diet choice will guarantee that a person won’t develop cancer, cutting meat and being more plant-centered can help lower cancer risk,” Julie added.
