01/7Facts about the nutritarian diet

Facts about the nutritarian diet

The nutritarian diet is a plant-based diet that is free of gluten and low in salt and fat. It was created in 2003 by physician Joel Fuhrman. He designed a variety of meal plans that are supposed to yield some big results like aid weight loss, treat chronic diseases, slow down the ageing process and even help you live longer. He claims this diet can help you lose 9.5 kgs in a matter of six weeks. Here's what you need to know about the diet before you try it.

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02/7May be unsustainable

May be unsustainable

The strict guidelines promoted by this diet can make it difficult to stick to long-term. Furthermore, its rules are likely unnecessary and generally not supported by strong research. The diet’s strict guidelines may be especially unsuitable for people with a history of disordered eating.

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03/7May boost longevity and fight disease

May boost longevity and fight disease

Plant-based diets that are rich in minimally processed foods and healthy fats, such as the Nutritarian Diet, may increase your lifespan and improve your overall health. Many other studies reveal that diets emphasizing fruits, vegetables, nuts, minimally processed foods, and healthy fats may lower your risk of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, and help you live longer

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04/7May reduce blood sugar levels

May reduce blood sugar levels

Because the nutritarian diet is rich in fibre and low in sugar, you will be consuming foods that may not cause your blood sugar levels to spike after a meal. Diets that are nutrient-dense have been found to lower blood sugar levels because it limits your intake of processed foods. This diet could also help protect against type 2 diabetes.

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05/7May improve heart health

May improve heart health

The nutritarian diet could reduce your risk of heart disease because it can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels. A study that ran for six weeks found that the diet helped the 35 participants reduce their levels of bad cholesterol. Another study found 328 people who were not treated for high cholesterol significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 25 per cent in those that followed the diet. This may also be beneficial for people who suffer from diabetes.

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06/7May aid weight loss

May aid weight loss

The nutritarian diet limits your intake of foods that are rich in calories like oil, sugar, eggs and meat. It also doesn't make room for snack time, which means again your limiting how many calories you consume in a day. If you are on this diet, that means you will be consuming a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains and seeds. All these foods help to reduce craving, are more satisfying and are rich in fibre.A study conducted on overweight people who followed this diet found over the course of six weeks participants lost close to 4.9 kgs.

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07/7Potential downsides of the diet

Potential downsides of the diet

Like all diets, the nutritarian diet also has a downside. It doesn't allow you to consume the recommended intake of whole-grains and potatoes your body requires. Foods like tofu, tempeh, whole-grain bread and cereals that are practically eliminated provide the body with beneficial nutrients like fibre, B vitamins, protein and calcium. Consult with a doctor before you make any changes to your diet.

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