An apple a day can keep the doctor away! Data shows that the soluble fiber in apples can help prevent cholesterol from building up on artery walls. Apples also contain a good amount of potassium, which can be beneficial for those who are watching their blood pressure. Apples, as well as other #plantbased foods, are all 100% cholesterol-free, low in saturated fats, and high in fiber and other essential nutrients!
(As I literally sit here eating an apple)
I have eaten an apple, nearly everyday, for most of my adult life. I attribute my personal health to the dietary (and exercise) choices I have made... although the occasional "cheat day" essential for mental gratification).
Health is greatly influenced by what you put in your body. If you want to be healthy, the solution is simple... eat fruits and vegetables. While it might not sound like rocket science, this simple solution seems to evade most people (obesity has tripled in the past 30 years). So why is this happening?
When you are feeding a baby, the prevailing school of thought is to feed them vegetables first, then introduce fruits later. Why is this? Because if the child tastes the sweetness of fruits, they won't want to eat vegetables! I believe a similar situation is occurring in the adult population. Society has become accustomed to the cornucopia of sweet, salty, and fried foods which are readily available. Celery doesn't seem as appealing when you can have a doughnut just as easily.
Couple this with the fact that our brains receive a tremendous influx of dopamine as soon as they eat something that they consider "pleasurable" and we have a recipe for disaster. Recent research has shown that substance use disorder and food addiction both involve the same biochemical processes in the brain. Eating triggers the dopamine reward center in the brain, making food a source of pleasure.
If we can rewire our brain to elicit a dopaminergic response to foods that are healthy, I strongly believe the obesity epidemic would not be as prevalent. This "re-wiring" requires removal of the current stimulus (aka no more doughnuts) and instead replacing them with healthier options. Taken from my personal experience, once you remove the unhealthy (fried foods, red meat, processed sugar etc.), you remove the craving! In fact, even the smell of some of these foods makes me feel nauseous.
Replace the stimulus, substitute the craving. rewire your brain.
The benefits of a plant-based diet are incredible!
Unclog Your Arteries
The average vegan has a cholesterol level which is 77 points lower than the average meat-eater. A recent study showed no heart attacks in people with cholesterol levels blow 150.
Protect Your Brain
Research has shown that people who avoid saturated fat cut their risk of developing Alzheimer's by over 60%!
Fight Cancer
Research shows that vegans are 40% less likely to get cancer than meat-eaters.
Slim Down
On average, vegans weigh 18% less than meat-eaters and they are 9 times less likely to be obese.
For more information, check out The Fitness Doctor on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/therealfitdoc/
Comentários