Plant Based Diet: Cure for Disease
Many diseases that American suffer with are nutrition related diseases. By simply changing one's eating habits, many diseases like heart disease, some cancers, strokes, and diabetes can be eliminated.
Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and do not contain saturated fat and cholesterol.
Fruits and vegetables do not contain many calories and are therefore excellent to include on a weight loss program. Include at least 3 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetables daily. But the more the better. Don't substitute fruit juice in place of eating fresh fruit because fruit juice is a concentrated source of sugar, therefore high in calories, and does not contain fiber.
Animal protein has been shown to promote cancer. Animal protein creates an acidic internal environment and contain high amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol.
Whole grains should be included daily in a healthy plant based diet. Whole grains include items like oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and buckwheat. Whole grains contain vitamins, mineral, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Refined grains are usually devoid of fiber, and are low in vitamins and minerals. Eating refined carbohydrates like white rice, processed cereals, and white bread can cause obesity and fuel disease in the body.
Plant based protein like beans, peas, and lentils supply protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and do not contain saturated fat and cholesterol. Include these items daily in your diet. If you suffer with diabetes, beans are very helpful in regulating blood sugars.
Drink plenty of Water.
Flaxseeds, Chia seeds, and hemp seeds supply protein, fiber and are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential fatty acid needed by the body for brain development during pregnancy and early in life, helps with inflammation, helps prevent harmful plaque formation, reduces risk of blood clots, raises HDL, and a host of other health benefits. Include 2 Tbsp daily. It can be added to shakes or oatmeal, sprinkled on cereal, or added to whole grain pancakes/muffins.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "QuickStats: Number of Deaths from 10 Leading Causes — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2010." MMWR 62 (08): 155. (Also: Extensive data can be found in this PDF.)