When you consider going more plant based, what are the reasons that matter the most? Check all that apply
□ Better public health Whole food plant based nutrition can prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases that affect brain health, mental health, and physical health and can assist in healthy and sustainable weight loss
□ More effective healthcare system Whole food plant based nutrition has been shown to have the benefits of reduced healthcare costs, improved patient satisfaction and health outcomes, better health equity, and enhanced healthcare provider well being
□ To save money at all levels Whole plant based foods are often more affordable and can reduce medical costs for individuals, and can save money for employers, all levels of government, healthcare systems, and health insurance companies
□ Peak performance WFPB nutrition is better for fitness and athletic performance, as well as recovery from illness and injuries
□ Healthy aging and longevity WFPB nutrition promotes a better quality of life and a longer life
□ Better for the environment Industrial animal agriculture leads to deforestation, soil erosion, reduction of soil quality, desertification, and air, water, and land pollution. The commercial fishing industry causes over fishing, harm to all marine animals, air and water pollution, and habitat destruction. Industrial animal agriculture overall emits excessive levels of greenhouse gases and uses an unsustainable and disproportionate amount of resources like land, water, and fuel
□ Sustainable national and global food and water supply Because the federal government heavily subsidizes industrial animal agriculture, only 4% of federal farm dollars support plant crops for human consumption, so the US has to import the majority of its fruits and vegetables. If farmers transition from animal agriculture to organic and regenerative plant based agriculture, they will have more land, fresh water, and fuel to grow a greater diversity of crops. Also, industrial animal agriculture uses so much fresh water that the US and other countries are tapping into their aquifers, which reduces water supply
□ Better for social justice Industrial animal agriculture significantly harms the workers because of low wages, limited worker protections, unsafe working conditions, and air, land, and water pollution that affect the workers and the surrounding community. Also, farmers who want to transition from animal agriculture often face difficult obstacles, including large debts for contract farmers who work with large multinational corporations
□ Better for the animals “Nearly 10 billion animals are killed for human consumption each year in the United States. And 99% are raised on factory farms, which maximize agribusiness profits at the expense of the animals, the environment, social justice, and public health”. Globally, an estimated 92 billion land animals and trillions of marine animals are killed for food every year. Also, industrial animal agriculture and the commercial fishing industry cause a significant and unnecessary loss of life, biodiversity, and habitats for land and marine wildlife
□ Spiritual health and purpose There is a sense of higher purpose and clarity of thought and mission when you are doing all you can to care for creation and your values are fully aligned. The reasons for going plant based relate to values such as kindness, compassion, causing no harm, promoting peace, saving resources, protecting the environment, and caring for animals and for the local, national, and global community
Going plant based saves lives As you can see, there is no good reason to eat animal based foods and many good reasons to eat whole plant based foods. You can get your nutrients from whole plant based foods …. that is where the animals get them!
All plant foods contain complete protein with all 20 dietary amino acids. Whole plant based foods provide nutrients such as calcium, electrolytes, fiber, iron, healthy fats like Omega 3 fatty acids, collagen, and protein. The recommendation is to consume 30 or more whole plant based food every week, across all categories, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes like beans and lentils, and nuts and seeds
For more information, please visit https://plantproviders.org/posts
The PLANT Providers 