Movember isn’t just about growing moustaches — it’s about raising awareness for men’s health— from testicular and prostate cancer to mental issues such as depression.
To celebrate the health of men near and far away — we’re sharing some of the benefits of embracing a plant-based lifestyle, specifically with men in mind.
Whether you want to adopt a vegan diet or up the quantity of plant-foods on your plate, there are lots of potential advantages to saying YES to more plants.
However, it’s crucial to note, all plant-based diets are not equal when it comes to health. According to Heart.org, “The key is adding high-quality, nutrient-dense plant-based foods.” (Looking at you — Airheads and Oreos. We love you, but in moderation!)
5 potential benefits of plant-based diets for men
Decreased risk of prostate cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer found in American men. But some studies show that eating more plant-based foods can help prevent and even potentially slow down the disease’s progression. Amazing, right?!
While more research is needed (and we’re not claiming plant-based foods are a sole treatment for cancer), it’s really exciting to learn how a plant-rich diet may help reduce the recurrence of this disease.
Decreased risk of heart issues
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But, fortunately, the combination of less meat and more plants has been shown to contribute to a healthier heart.
A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that eating more veggies, nuts, whole grains, and legumes (and less animal products) correlates with a lower risk of heart disease. And it also showed a more plant-friendly diet is connected to a smaller risk of dying from a heart attack (or another serious cardiovascular event).
So, bust those veggies out and grab some almonds, your heart’s health is SO worth it!
Decreased risk of diabetes
Research has shown that a plant-based diet can be a helpful tool in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. The study discovered eating more plants not only promoted a healthy body weight, but also reduced insulin resistance (double win).
And the CDC shows that men are more likely to get type 2 diabetes at a lower weight than women (and more likely to have undiagnosed diabetes compared to women). So, it’s especially important for men to be proactive and mindful.
Boost in mood
With more plants in your diet comes lots of antioxidants and nutrients, which studies show, can boost overall mood and productivity.
While depression is certainly something not exclusive to men, The Suicide Prevention Resource Center shows men are more likely to commit suicide compared to women. So, it’s particularly useful to consider the relationship between food and mood.
Weight control
Those following a primarily plant-based lifestyle tend to have lower BMIs than more omnivorous eaters, research shows. So if you’re trying to embrace a more sustainable, wholesome life — eating more fruits and veggies, along with whole grains, is a great place to start!
Looking for even more inspiration, guys? Then give these videos a watch:
Convinced that a plant-based diet’s where it’s at, but not sure how to get started? We’re here for you. Give these resources a read:
- These 6 simple hacks make vegan cooking easy
- The 5 toughest things about being plant-based (and how to stick with it)
- How to grocery shop when you eat plant-based – 8 simple tips
- How to go plant-based like a pro in 3 easy steps
- How to eat vegan and get every nutrient you need
- The unbelievable easy guide to going vegan
Now that you know some of the benefits, check out some of our favorite vegan recipes!
