More than 60 percent of Americans are overweight, and two billion people across the globe suffer from this deficient, i.e. “over-nourished” condition. A higher the body mass index (BMI) is linked to numerous cancer such as type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and sleep apnea and a shorter life expectancy. less quality of life and cardiovascular diseases. Personally, I believe that this is one of the largest problems facing developed countries.

My question is What can we do to slow down the growth of this issue?

The latest and most innovative research is underway to determine the effects of a complete food, plant-based diet (WFPB) in weight loss and cholesterol reduction, medication use as well as quality of life, and other health indicators.

The study

In March of 2017, Nature published a randomized controlled trial that used the WFPB diet to examine its effects on a range of health conditions. The study involved 65 overweight participants who had any of these disorders that include type 2 diabetes heart disease and high blood pressure and high cholesterol. All participants were treated by the same clinic. The control group received normal care. While participants in the treatment group were treated as normal and included two weekly guided meetings, a low-calorie restricting WFPB diet, as well as vitamin B12 supplementation. The trial lasted six months. The participants were followed-up after six months to see whether the results held up.

The study was different in that it did not restrict the amount of calories the patient consumed. The participants were advised not to track calories, but rather to take their food as long as they felt satisfied. The diet of the intervention group was described using a traffic light system in which the foods allowed to be eaten with no reservations were low-fat and highlighted with green. Foods they ought to stay clear of were highlighted with red.

At biweekly sessions the patients in the intervention group were instructed on the advantages of the WFPB diet. They also attended talks given by guest doctors and took part in discussions. It was also a focus on teaching participants how to cook, so that they could be able to maintain the change in their daily routine.

The results

The results were noteworthy. Six months later, the group’s weight/BMI didn’t change substantially. However the intervention group who followed the WFPB diet dropped about 27 pounds (4.4 BMI points)! The difference between 27 and zero pounds is significant as well as awe-inspiring.

And to top it all off to top it off, at the end of the study the control group had taken the same amount of medications as at the start of the study. Meanwhile, the intervention group took 29% fewer prescriptions by the end phase of study! Additionally, those in the intervention demonstrated steady results for six months after the study concluded.

Incredible. What a simple way to address an issue that is global. Imagine that a few simple instructions or a shift in mindset and a community-based approach can make such a huge impact… This is a reason for me to believe there is hope for positive change going forward. Let’s join forces as a team to make the transformation.

Is A Plant-Based Diet Good For Your Skin?

We’ve done our “health” New Year’s resolutions at one point during our lifetimes, aren’t we? For the majority individuals, this just lasts a few weeks (or some days) throughout the calendar year however some transform their resolutions into a lifestyle. No matter what category you’re in there is always an opportunity to improve.

Let’s suppose we join one of the groups that are optimistic but naive dreamers. We start the diet with great expectations that we are strong and prepared to take on the world. For the first few months, you likely were healthy and happy, but you decided you were worthy to indulge in maybe two days of sweet, fatty and salty snacks. You then felt exhausted, heavy and depressed. Are you familiar with this?

One of the obvious signs that you’ve cut yourself off from your eating habits is the alteration in your skin. Reverting to a less healthy diet can cause your skin to be dry or having breakouts beginning to appear. It’s inevitable which food items you decide to incorporate into your body will reflect in the condition of your skin.

What can a plant-based diet do to help your complexion?

Do you realize that the skin is the most important organ in your body? It also is responsible for 16 percent of the body’s weight. So, why do we ignore the basic needs and take care of our skin every day?

It has been proven that eating plant-based food reduces the risk of inflammation on the skin. Additionally it boosts alkalinity levels in the body, specifically through food items that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, also known as unsaturated fatty acids. Fats acids are helpful in providing energy to heart, muscles and various organs, making them components of cell membranes and also serve to store energy for the body.

Inflammation is a signal from the body that signals there’s something in the body that it is unable to take in. Inflammation signals that something is harmful that your body is exposed to like sunlight exposure, pollution or a specific food. Inflammation typically lasts until you pinpoint the source and cease contact. The risk increases when the inflammation has become ongoing. It is typically due to the fact that the cause of the problem isn’t identified and treated.

Chronic inflammation can be attributed to the process of glycation. Glycation is the process that results in sugar molecules bind to each other, causing damage or breaking down important proteins found in our body. This includes a protein known as collagen, which is present on our skin. Glycation isn’t just linked to aging, it’s also associated with dangerous chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and vascular disease. Consuming refined sugars can trigger the process of glycation.

How can we improve the condition of the skin?

Your body requires fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes and seeds since they contain the vital nutrients the body needs to thrive. It turns out that your skin is dependent on these nutrients as much as other parts of your body.

For instance, vitamin E and C shield the skin from sun’s rays and help reduce wrinkles. Vitamin A helps to maintain and repair skin tissue. It is essential to remember your Vitamin B complex, and specifically biotin. Biotin is the base of the skin, hair and nails. It is crucial for keeping the barrier between your skin and hair functioning and protected from external threats. Minerals are essential for healthy skin too. Copper, zinc and selenium play a role in the function of skin barrier as well as protection against free radicals and the protection from skin problems.

Improve your digestion to improve your skin health

Even your digestive health is connected to your skin health. In the case of instance, if you don’t consume enough healthy fats and oils, your skin will become less hydrated and your digestive system will be affected. Make sure that your body is stocked with sufficient good bacteria, such as probiotics. If your gut is stocked with the proper amount of probiotics it can activate vitamin K and magnesium, calcium zinc, and other B vitamins. All of these are essential to maintain healthy skin.

What plant-based food items are most beneficial to our skin?

Avocados – yes our beloved avocados made the list! Avocados are not only rich in the necessary nutrition for your body, they contain everything that your skin requires to flourish including vitamin C and E, and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and beta-caroten essential fat acids.

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 which is essential in the reduction of inflammation, and selenium, zinc, as well as antioxidants. Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrients and beneficial for general health. However, sunflower seeds can be particularly helpful in improving skin health as they are rich in zinc, selenium and linoleic acids, as well as vitamin E.

Bell peppers and leafy vegetables as well as sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene. an antioxidant that converts into vitamin A. It helps keep your skin young, but also increases your longevity. In addition, broccoli is high in beta-carotene, lutein zinc, vitamin A as well as vitamin C. However, broccoli is most well recognized for its chemical compound called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane has been proven to improve the skin by acting as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory.

With all these amazing healthy, plant-based meals that nourish the skin ought to cause you to want these food items to be part of your daily shopping list. The plant-based diet affects each aspect of health and can improve it in leaps and bounds. Get your health in order now to make it your permanent commitment. It’s not only a New Year’s resolution and a lifetime commitment.