Plant-based nutrition is a philosophy that regards the body as a whole and promotes the growth and consumption of natural foods, urging maximum intake of fresh, raw, living produce with minimal use of cooking and other forms of processing. The diet incorporates a healthy balance of preferably organic fruits, vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, algae, grasses, flowers, sea vegetables, grains, and legumes.
This dietary lifestyle is optimal in providing the necessary elements needed for humans to thrive, including vitamins, minerals, fibers, enzymes, oils, proteins and carbohydrates in bio-available form. Perhaps the single most essential nutritional substance in a plant-based diet is chlorophyll, which transforms sunlight into proteins, starches and sugars. Its molecules are identical to human hemoglobin; therefore it is immediately assimilated upon consumption.
Eating a plant-based diet has a rich and diverse history. Many cultures and civilizations around the world have been eating plant-based and raw diets for years. Their diet is largely regarded as a key contributor to longevity and health.
Some of our great thinkers, peacemakers and teachers in the past 2500 years have eaten predominantly plant-based diets. Among them are Buddha, Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, Gandhi and Einstein. 2400 years ago Hippocrates stated, “Let thy food be your medicine, and medicine be thy food.” Mahatma Gandhi was called to become vegetarian in 1931 and his focus was a precursor to the ideas of the Vegan Society in 1944. The term “vegan” was coined in England in 1944 by Donald Watson, co-founder of the British Vegan Society, to mean “non-dairy vegetarian.” The society also opposed the use of eggs as food. In 1951, the society clarified the definition of “veganism” to mean "the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals.”
During the vast majority of our existence on this planet, the original diet for humans consisted primarily of vegetables, fruits and nuts. Many cultures today and throughout time have sustained themselves with plants, seeds, grains, roots and fruits. The diet of early humans provided little starch and no refined sugar or salt. Plant-based foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, vegetable oils and whole grains are important components of traditional diets in Mediterranean and Asian regions. Skeletal remains of ancient humans show us that our dental structure has changed very little over millions of years and indicates that our dental structure was designed to eat fruit, nuts, seeds, and greens.
Research supports the idea that plant-based foods protect us against disease, while animal-based foods, which are high in fat, cholesterol and protein, promote disease. Some of the many health benefits of a plant-based diet include reduction of cardiovascular disease, lowered risk of prostate and other cancers and prevention of diabetes, obesity and diseases related to the bone, kidney, eye and brain. A plant-based diet can also afford us longer lives. Quality of life is also sure to improve as we look and feel younger, have more energy and maintain a healthy weight with ease.
Here are some important foods and their benefits:
Focus on getting your diet up to about 80% of live plant food on your plate. When shopping, the cart must also be mostly plant foods. Buy leafy greens, a variety of sprouts, cucumber, celery, and red or yellow pepper.
Some additional helpful hints: Make a smoothie using a blender or juice using a juicer. There are many interesting “un-cook” books about raw foods on the market. There are support groups, such as “meetup groups,” all over the world that can be located on the internet and notices at local health food stores.
While the focus of this article is on the consumption of plant-based foods, it must be noted that human health is not dependent on diet alone. One should additionally focus on mental, physical and spiritual well being. Therefore, important health considerations, beyond diet, include: daily exercise, adequate rest and sleep, attention to positive thoughts and a practice of meditation.
The process can and should be FUN, so please start this process today, your body will thank you!