A healthy heart
Plant-based foods tend to contain unsaturated (good) fats and are generally low in saturated (bad) ones. High levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, and replacing saturated with unsaturated fats has been shown to lower levels of cholesterol in the blood. So eating more plant-based foods can help to keep the heart healthy.
Ageing well
Good nutrition can help you age well. A diet rich in plant-based foods will give your body the vitamins, minerals and fibre it needs, while reducing your intake of saturated fat. That’s how a plant-based diet with exercise (and no smoking) has been shown to improve quality of life as you age.
Good bones
A plant-based diet helps provide the protein, calcium and vitamin D you need to maintain good bone health throughout your life.
Managing your weight
Plant-based foods tend to contain fewer calories, lower amounts of fat and are high in fibre – that’s why vegans often have a lower body mass index (BMI). So by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and plant-based alternatives to dairy – and reducing the amount of calorie-dense foods – managing your weight starts to feel a whole lot easier.