The many benefits of a plant-based diet

We are in a pressing time, as the Heart and Stroke Foundation declared — this generation is projected to not outlive their parents. We are more sick than ever before and our health-care system is bankrupting us.

We have blindly accepted cancer, diabete, and other illnesses as commonplace; blame genetics, blame the environment, but never consider the foods we eat. As Hippocrates stated, “Let food be thy medicine” — and we are seeing proof of this on a local level.

There is a plant-based surgeon and nutritionist who holds seminars and events to educate those who wish to reverse diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. I have friends who have controlled other medical issues through plant-based eating. I have noticed a shift in the right direction lately, more dietary education and awareness is increasing throughout our society. We are learning new ways of eating, new ways of cooking, and exposing ourselves to delicious and healthy foods.

I recently participated in a public consultation regarding the potential revisions of Canada’s Food Guide, which I fully support. The new draft excludes dairy in the recommendations and places the emphasis on plant-based foods. I am vegan, and have been for over two years. I haven’t had the common cold in two years, and feel very energized. I also had blood work done to ensure all of my levels were in check, and they were. I take no supplements, and eat a well-rounded diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and beans/legumes. A whole foods plant-based diet provides everything I need, with so many benefits including fibre, zero cholesterol, iron, protein and many other vitamins and minerals.

I do drink soy milk that is fortified with vitamin B 12, which is sufficient for me. Plant-based doctors state a person can always take a B 12 supplement if they prefer.

I am asking my fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to consider eating plant-based — give yourself the gift of health. There is nothing special about this way of living. All you’re doing is excluding meat, eggs and dairy. There are plenty of delicious recipes at your fingertips. There is also a community group online where you can find hundreds of vegans supporting one another. The group is called NL vegans if you wish to join. I have greatly reduced my odds of getting cancer, diabetes, and heart disease,

I now look at the world differently since making the switch.

Renee Gosse St. John’s