One of the best nutrition guiding principles ever is Michael Pollan’s “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”  To follow this famous advice, you don’t have to go fully into a vegan or 100% plant based diet. There are proven benefits to simply putting more plants in your belly. 

To start, people who eat plenty of plants are likely to live longer. In the studies that have shown this, the reduction in early death was associated with eating more nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables and not from eating less meat.

How Beneficial Plants Are to Your Health

A diet filled with plants tends to be higher in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Breaking these nutrients down, it’s easy to see how eating more plants contributes to a long, healthy life:

Fats:

Plants tend to be higher in healthy unsaturated fats and lower in saturated fats. The fats in plant foods like olive oil, nuts and avocado help reduce bad cholesterol and keep the vascular system clear. Healthy arteries and veins significantly reduce the likelihood of a heart disease.

Fiber:

Almost all plants contain fiber. A healthy gut requires adequate fiber, and both the immune system and the brain are dependent on a healthy gut. Fiber prevents blood sugar spikes and can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Like unsaturated fats, it also clears bad cholesterol from the blood stream. Fiber also promotes satiety and is a big reason that people with a high intake of plants are less likely to be overweight.

Antioxidants:

Plants are a rich source of antioxidant nutrients. Antioxidants help fight cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals build up as a result of environmental toxins such as too much sun, cigarette smoke, and air pollution or high levels of stress. If unchecked, free radicals can damage our body’s cells which leads to diseases like cancer, dementia, and general cognitive decline.

Eating more plants doesn’t mean salads for every meal. Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats are high-fiber plant foods. Beans, lentils and edamame provide plant protein, and nuts, olives, and avocado are high in healthy fats. Green tea, cocoa, herbs and spices are especially high in antioxidants.

Territory Makes It Easy to Eat More Plant Foods

Eating your vegetables should make you feel excited, not sad. Our unique chef network uses artisan ingredients and diverse flavors to elevate the whole plant experience…no limp spinach or bland broccoli here! Territory’s goal is to introduce you to the wonderful world of plant-forward eating and the health benefits that come with it! Luckily, Territory’s entire menu is plant-forward — every choice at Territory is a good choice for your health. Order your fresh prepared meals now.