Plant-based diets benefit Earth, people

A recent appearance by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel reiterated the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Numerous studies have confirmed that people who consume fewer animal products have lower rates of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Vegans and vegetarians, on average, consume fewer calories and weigh less than their carnivorous counterparts. Plant-based diets have also been linked to the reversal of Type 2 diabetes and lower instances of heart disease.

Too many Americans blame cost, product availability, and convenience as reasons not to adopt a plant-based diet. Fruits, vegetables, beans and grains are all readily available. Let us stop making excuses and start making changes. “Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” — Albert Einstein

Andrea Zenobi

Des Plaines