Introduction
Human beings are grappling with numerous diseases that continue to claim lives while affecting the overall performance of global economies. Different researchers have succeeded to present numerous views regarding the health challenges associated with chronic diseases. The number of illnesses capable of affecting people’s life expectancies has been rising steadily. Today, terminal conditions have become more common than ever before, such as kidney failure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and cancer. A detailed analysis of human behaviors, trends, cultural attributes, and social norms can shed more light on the nature of these conditions and how to deal with them more efficiently. Plant-based diets are beneficial since they slow the progress of cancerous cells, trigger healing properties against chronic conditions, and help reduce health-related expenses.
Background Information: Plant-Based Diet
The ultimate aim of any ideal life is for people to experience good health, attain their individual achievements, and fulfill their purposes. Unfortunately, such expectations have become impossible for more individuals due to the increasing number of diseases. Esselstyn (2007) believes that new conditions have emerged that are terminal in nature and capable of reducing life expectancies. Some of the leading illnesses in the world include chronic lung disease, heart disease, cancer, and hypertension (Lösch et al., 2014). In their study, Craig et al. (2021) revealed that a unique relationship existed between the consumption of processed animal foods and the development of health complications. Some of the questionable foods include refined grains, sugar, carbonated drinks, cooking oils, eggs, dairy products, and meat (Živočichů, 2020). The case of China reveals that its shift from plant-based diet to processes food sources triggered a rapid increase in chronic conditions, including cancer, obesity, and diet (Živočichů, 2020). Coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, such a trend has worsened the overall health experiences of many Chinese citizens.
Within the past four decades, researchers in leading institutions have been keen to study and monitor the benefits of plant-based diets on the human body. For instance, Greger (2015) completed a research that revealed that the use of natural or plant-based foods could help stop the growth of prostate cancer cells during their early stages. The combination of healthy lifestyles and behaviors could help improve the situation and support the fight against terminal conditions (Živočichů, 2020). Additionally, the scholars observed that the consumption of the well-know American diet could help reduce the growth of cancer cells by around 9 percent (Greger, 2015). The provision of vegetarian diet could make it possible for an individual to reduce the spread of cancer cells in the body by around 70 percent (Greger, 2015). These attributes explain why analysts have been on the frontline to examine and report the benefits of plant-based diets.
Historical revelations present unique aspects regarding the benefits of consuming plant-based food materials. Investigators have concluded that most of the Roman gladiators’ diets were compromised of beans and barley (Lösch et al., 2014). Similarly, researchers have relied on the use of carbon isotopes to conclude that most of the athletes and legionnaires in Rome relied heavily on plant-based diets (Lösch et al., 2014). These heroes remained healthy and eventually lived for more than 80 years (Lösch et al., 2014). Their body systems could endure harsh conditions, engage in battles for months, and eventually deliver the much-needed victory (Lösch et al., 2014). A detailed examination of these ancient people could guide and encourage more people to start appreciating the benefits of plant-based diets.
Modern-day Spartans are known to complete long distance races without encountering various difficulties. This form of endurance could shed some light and help investigators the importance of plant-based diets and how they condition the human body. Lösch et al. (2014) indicate that the diets of these Spartans consist of squash, corn, and beans. This consumption behavior has helped reduce their cholesterol levels to around 136 mg/dl (Lösch et al., 2014). Similarly, modern runners in the Olympic champions are known to rely on vegetarian diets (Lösch et al., 2014). This approach gives them adequate physical power, thereby being able to perform a wide range of tasks more efficiently. Additionally, those who consume plant-based foods would record improved endurance whenever engaging in aerobic exercises. They will also utilize oxygen more effectively when on the treadmill (Lösch et al., 2014). These aspects reveal that a vegetarian diet is beneficial and capable of improving the performance of the human body while minimizing chances of developing chronic diseases.
Plant-Based Diet and the Prevention of Diseases
Health professionals and researchers have collaborated to present evidence-based approaches intended to slow down or stop the growth of different diseases. In his work, Caldwell B. Esselstyn describes evidence-based approaches for slowing and stopping the growth of various diseases. The surgeon supports the intake of plant-based foods since the practice has the potential to reverse most of the symptoms associated with heart disease (Esselstyn, 2007). The scholar completed a study whereby he focused primarily on the critical stages of coronary artery disease (Esselstyn, 2007). The professional provided the recruited patients with plant-based products for several months (Esselstyn, 2007). Most of the beneficiaries who took part in the program were able to get rid of the recorded symptoms within a period for 12 years (Esselstyn, 2007). The involved doctors indicated that such patients who not have lived for more than a year (Esselstyn, 2007). This investigation reveals that a plant-based diet is beneficial and capable of helping the body to fight various heart diseases.
In the documentary, The Game Changers, the viewer is able to learn more about the importance of having a good diet. The narrators focus on some of the things that many people take for granted in their lives, such as the kind of food they consume (Živočichů, 2020). Focusing on the success stories of famous athletes and performers from different parts of the world, the documentary supports the power of a vegetarian diet. Those who avoid processed foods will have stamina, be able to complete numerous tasks, and minimize their chances of developing various diseases. The presented information is essential towards encouraging more people to engage in healthy practices and take the issue of diet seriously if they want to lead high-quality and longer lives.
Michael Greger’s contributions in the field of nutrition remain inspirational and capable of guiding more people to lead longer lives. As the founder of NutritionFacts.org, this researcher believes that most of the diseases recorded in America today could be addressed from an informed perspective. Some of the leading ones include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and Pakinson’s disease (Greger, 2015). Greger (2015) believes that lifestyle changes and dietary improvements could help more patients record positive health outcomes. These evidence-based practices are effective and capable of transforming the lives of patients. The researcher argues that doctors are usually experienced in dealing with acute conditions (Greger, M. (2015). Greger (2015) presents unique recommendations that could help more people to live longer and overcome the burden of most of the recorded chronic conditions. Such suggestions could help protect more lives since around 1.6million people die every year in the country due to terminal illnesses (Greger, 2015). The move can help the government direct most of the available resources to other sectors.
The current rate of urbanization has compelled more people to live in cities characterized by pollution and absence of agricultural land. Most of these individuals rely on processed foods since the available plant-based products are insufficient, thereby being unable to meet their nutritional demands. Greger (2015) believes that such a trend has triggered numerous health problems, such as pulmonary complications, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Some of the available foods are inappropriate for consumption, such as processed carbohydrates, dairy products, and meat. Fast foods have also become common in most of the urban regions across the globe. Consumers of such materials eventually report numerous complications, such as stroke, obesity, and infertility (Mariotti, 2017). Based on this kind of understanding, Mariotti (2017) encourages individuals to focus on healthy eating and take the issue of plant-based diets seriously. This approach could help reverse most of these trends and make it possible for the beneficiaries to record positive medical outcomes.
The benefits of a vegetarian diet continue to capture attention of many scholars and nutritionists. Past research reveals that food materials obtained from plants are capable of reducing most of the complications associated with human diet (Mariotti, 2017). For example, Craig et al. (2021) reveal that the consumption of foods obtained from plants could help minimize costs while helping beneficiaries to record reduced body mass indexes (BMIs). This achievement will make it possible for the person to tackle the challenge of obesity while minimizing chances of developing diabetes (Greger, 2015). In another study, So et al. (2018) found out that the consumption of a plant-based diet was capable of reducing the percentage of medications required to treat and manage various chronic conditions. The effort was also capable of minimizing mortality rates while allowing the targeted beneficiaries to longer lives.
The connection between environmental degradation and the subsequent development of chronic illnesses has become a major area of interest. Mariotti (2017) sought to examine the connection between plant-based diets and environmental conservation. This research was intended to analyze the major sources of human food and their overall contributions towards environmental degradation. In the study, it emerged that meat-based diets were responsible for the loss of natural habitats and destruction of forests. The rearing of cattle, chicken, and pigs relied heavily on plant-based materials. Consequently, the overproduction of the necessary materials to support the industry and deliver meat to more customers led to increased greenhouse gas emissions (Mariotti, 2017). This challenge was responsible for the increasing cases of pulmonary diseases and climatic changes. Greger (2015) uses this knowledge to explain why a plant-based diet is capable of mitigating these predicaments while allowing more people to record positive health outcomes. These aspects explain why professionals in different sectors need to promote the consumption of plant-based foods.
The therapeutic importance or role of plat-based foods is a field that supports the formulation of effective dietary guidelines. For instance, So et al. (2018) indicate that proper incentives are capable of guiding more people to rely on materials that can deliver positive results in the body. For instance, the consumption of materials sourced from different plants could help mitigate nutritional deficiencies and get rid of opportunistic illnesses (So et al., 2018). The practice has the potential to reduce the overall risk of various terminal diseases, such as cancers and kidney failure (Mariotti, 2017). The investigation went further to reveal that the use of plant-based diets could support the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis (So et al., 2018). Individuals suffering from diabetes and obesity could also record better outcomes from such plant-based diets.
The safety of plant-based food materials remains unquestionable and uncontested. According to Craig et al. (2021), the move to consume such diets remains effective and beneficial for people in different stages of life. Specifically, pregnancy women, children, teenagers, and the elderly can record positive health outcomes from the intake of plant-based foods (Craig et al., 2021). Such diets are associated with high levels of polyphenolics and fiber (Craig et al., 2021). They also help the human body produce essential metabolites that have the potential to deliver anti-inflammatory abilities (Craig et al., 2021). In the same research, it occurred that plant-based diet was responsible for contributing to diverse or improved gut microbiota (Craig et al., 2021). In most cases, a balanced diet comprised of materials derived from plants will supply the body with adequate calcium, iron, omega-3 fats, vitamins D and B12, and zinc (Craig et al., 2021). These attributes show conclusively that plant-based diets are the way to go.
Individuals who ignore the benefits of plants-based diets have higher risks for recording various health complications. For instance, Craig et al. (2021) observed that processed products were associated with compromised body immunity, reduced stamina, and weakened bone health. The affected individual would be unable to complete a wide range of challenging tasks or overcoming mild illnesses, such as common cold (So et al., 2018). Failure to take adequate plant-based food materials affected the body’s ability to heal. This observation resonates with the findings recorded in most of the studies completed in the recent past. Increased intakes of processed foods and sedentary lifestyles were associated with a wide range of diseases. Most of the patients suffering from such conditions were at risk of developing additional complications, including stroke, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
These revelations support the consumption of plant-based diets. In most cases, most of the foods would be grown using natural practices, thereby reducing the emission of hazardous materials (Craig et al., 2021). Experts acknowledge that such foods contain higher fiber levels and reduce the overall intake of cholesterol (Mariotti, 2017). They contain beneficial ingredients and nutrients that can strengthen the body and improve its mechanisms for fighting various diseases. Based on this understanding, there is a need for physicians to continue recommending plant-based diets to more individuals. Such suggestions would also be appropriate for persons suffering from various chronic conditions. This strategy will make it possible for the global community to deal with the predicaments associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.
Similarly, plant-based diets are capable of empowering both citizens and governments to focus on developmental goals. Mariotti (2017) indicates that such food materials are readily available at reduced costs. Individuals who resolve to rely on plants as the primary source for their foods will no longer incur additional expenses. While achieving managing their finances more effectively, they will avoid most of the medications required to manage various conditions. They will also benefit from reduced blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and BMI (Mariotti, 2017). Such people will become more productive and eventually most of their life goals.
The presented information shows conclusively that a paradigm shift is necessary if more patients are to overcome the challenges associated with chronic diseases. Craig et al. (2021) use this kind of knowledge to explain why government agencies and professionals in different fields need to collaborate and support the consumption of plant-based diets. Nutritionists, clinicians, and physicians can undertake additional studies to shed more light on the challenges making it impossible for more people to embrace food materials derived from plants. Community resources can go a step further to present timely learning materials to guide and encourage more patients to start consuming plant-based foods. This move will help deliver sustainable results and reduce the current level of mortality at the global level.
Conclusion
The completed discussion has supported plant-based diets since they deliver a wide range of health benefits. Human beings continue to face numerous medical challenges and financial constraints attributed to a wide range of diseases, such as cancer, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes. The continued intake of processed animal products worsens the situation by weakening the human body and predisposing it to additional health risks. The relevant stakeholders need to focus on the specific benefits of plant-based diets and encourage more people to embrace them. Such an approach will help mitigate most of the identified health predicaments, reduce medical expenses, and lengthen people’s life expectancies.
References
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Esselstyn, C. E. (2007). Prevent and reverse heart disease: The revolutionary, scientifically proven, nutrition-based cure. Penguin Publishing Group.
Greger, M. (2015). How not to die: Discover the foods scientifically proven to prevent and reverse disease. Flatiron Books.
Lösch, S., Moghaddam, N., Grossschmidt, K., Risser, D. U., & Kanz, F. (2014). Stable isotope and trace element studies on gladiators and contemporary Romans from Ephesus (Turkey, 2nd and 3rd ct. AD) – Implications for differences in diet. PLoS ONE, 9(10). Web.
Mariotti, F. (Ed.). (2017). Vegetarian and plant-based diets in health and disease prevention. Academic Press.
So, D., Whelan, K., Rossi, M., Morrison, M., Holtmann, G., Kelly, J. T., Shanahan, E. R., Staudacher, H. M., & Campbell, K. L. (2018). Dietary fiber intervention on gut microbiota composition in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 107(6), 965-983. Web.
Živočichů, C. (2020). The game changers [Video]. YouTube. Web.