Recently, proponents of plant-based diets received powerful ammunition when a study led by Northern Arizona University linked the plant-rich “Nutritarian diet” to slower biological aging in women.
In addition to slower biological aging, researchers observed lower inflammation levels in women who consistently ate a diet focused primarily on vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. The study indicated that the cardiovascular health of women who followed a Nutritarian diet for more than five years also improved, noted Vegconomist.
The Nutritarian diet was created in 2003 by physician Joel Fuhrman. It’s primarily plant-based and limits the consumption of salt, fat, and processed foods. Some health aficionados consider the nutrient-dense diet to be a powerful way to lose weight and reverse chronic disease, as Healthline reported.
Sam Cutler, the founder of the MINDFULL holistic wellness platform, said that such plant-heavy, anti-inflammatory diets aren’t as restrictive as they might initially seem.
“Cooking with seasonal produce, diverse spices, and creative combinations transforms ‘boring’ into vibrant and exciting,” Cutler told The Food Institute. “People often resist this shift out of fear of change or lack of exposure to recipes that highlight how enjoyable whole foods can be.”
Because the Nutritarian diet is largely plant based, it’s rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and carbohydrates. Due to the high water content of produce and the high fiber content of vegetables, the Nutritarian diet tends to leave those who follow it feeling consistently fuller.
“Like any dietary pattern, it all comes down to how the individual following it implements the guidelines,” said Elizabeth Brown, MS, RDN, CPT and the owner of The Kitchen Vixen, Inc.
The aforementioned study adds to the growing body of research supporting plant-based diets as beneficial for managing metabolism, Vegconomist wrote.
“While the Nutritarian diet isn’t purporting to be a weight-loss diet, individuals looking for a healthy way to eat and manage their weight may look to this diet,” Brown told FI.
The health expert added a caveat about the Nutritarian plan, however: “For individuals who are prone to eating disorders,” she said, “I would not recommend a diet with so many rules and restrictions.”
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