Plant-Based Diets Best Suited for Disease Prevention and Treatment

Plant-based diets are best suited for disease prevention and treatment, according to an editorial published as part of Frontiers in Nutrition’s research topic on the subject. The authors discussed the benefits of diets based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes rich in antioxidants and fiber and lower in fat, sugar, animal products, and processed foods. Plant-based eating patterns lower the risk for chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease in comparable rates to medications while improving weight, gut microbiota, and long-term risk reduction in youth while conveying environmental and cost-savings benefits.