5 reasons to adopt a plant-based diet

Plant-based eating encourages fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole grains, and limits processed foods, meats, and dairy. There are many different types of this dietary style. Vegans choose to cut all animal products. Others, like lacto-ovo vegetarians, skip meat, but eat eggs and dairy. People who eat fish but eliminate other meats are known as pescatarians.

There are different reasons for adopting a plant-based diet, from health concerns to environmental interests. Regardless of motivation, the benefits are the same. Compared to meat and other animal products, plant products are naturally lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Consumption of plant nutrition has been linked to a lower risk of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.

A healthful, veggie-rich diet takes careful planning. Some plant eaters find it difficult to get enough essential nutrients like vitamin B12, found only in animal products, and protein. Getting the recommended nutrients from a plant-based diet is possible, however—it’s just a matter of knowing what (and how much) to eat.

You don't have to swear off meat, either. Many plant-forward diets include lean cuts of chicken and turkey, as well as fish such as tuna and salmon in moderation.