Give 🌱 The Green Light…

Plant-based diets have shown beneficial effects on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body weight because of high content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and photochemicals.

Additional Benefits Include Lowered Risks Of:

- Heart disease

- Type 2 diabetes

- Cancers like colorectal & prostrate

- Inflammation

This is dependent on the diet’s quality and lack of highly processed foods. The importance of a “healthy” plant-based diet is better than unhealthy, processed versions.

Risks:

Deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and calcium if not prevented with supplements or fortified foods.

Did You Know?

*Women are more likely to follow plant-based diets than men.

*Globally, about 60% of households consumed plant-based foods in 2022.

Local Data & Research:

*A 2024 South African study followed 10 diabetic participants on a 21-day plant-based diet. They reported positive health changes (weight loss and improved glycemic control).

*Research with Discovery Vitality members who purchased more plant-based foods, saw reduced medical claims and a decrease in their BMI.

*A 2023 survey revealed that 3% of South African respondents are vegetarian, and 2% are vegan.

*A 2024 analysis highlighted the deep-seated cultural use of animal products in South Africa.

*Research shows that consumers wrongly believe a plant-based diet is expensive. This overlooks the affordability of whole food plant sources like beans and lentils.

*A 2023 Uber Cravings Report found that Johannesburg generated more vegan food orders than Cape Town.

*A survey of local health science students found that 74% felt they did not receive enough nutrition education, and 67% needed more information on plant-based diets.

Considerations:

Adopt an intermediate approach - reducing meat consumption rather than eliminating it. Women following plant-based diets during pregnancy or breastfeeding need to avoid deficiencies that can impact both.

Plant-based diets contribute to planetary health by reducing greenhouse gas emission, lowering the use of land and water, and preserving biodiversity.

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