Reasons the number of those who practice a plant-based diet are growing in and around the Brooklyn, NY area

Few things can be as societally polarizing as choosing between a plant-based or a meat consuming diet. Those who prefer a meat-rich diet love it and can often not understand why anybody would ever give it up. The truth behind a plant-based diet is that many choose it due to personal beliefs, while others choose it based on more scientific reasoning and believe it is better for their health. Dr. Shapsis and the team at Atlantic Gastroenterology would like to provide some information detailing some of the benefits of a plant-based diet and why it is good for you.

The answer, when looking into what kind of diet will work best for you, is never as simple as saying that meat is good or bad. Many individuals who eat a plant-based diet are not strictly vegetarian or vegan. It has been found that this group of individuals consists of only 5% of the population. Many plant-based diets do incorporate some meats and fish. One such example of this is the pescatarian diet.

The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

While not 100% conclusive, studies are continuing to show that diets that contain lower amounts of meat are linked to longer lifespans. Some studies are contradicting this, so this benefit is far from settled, but, with growing evidence which links a plant-based diet to benefits including lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, it’s easy to see why a longer lifespan is possible. Because of these improved metrics of health, an individual could expect to run less of a risk in developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It is no wonder that so many who are researching into plant-based diets are exclaiming that it can help us all live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Is Meat Essential?

In short, the answer is no. For many years, mankind did not need to eat any meat. It was only through evolution that we developed the ability to do so. The only vitamin that must come from an animal source is B12, but even that can come from a supplement.

If you are interested in learning more about plant-based diets and how they can help your gastrointestinal health, please call Dr. Shapsis at Atlantic Gastroenterology today at 718 521-2840.

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