When considering the health benefits of a plant-based diet, concentrating that diet solidly in nutritionally rich, fiber dense food is important. Remembering, and following, the acronym No/Low PASS , for:

• Low P rocessed
• No A nimal
• Low S alt
• Low S ugar

will put you on a real food consumption path that can be the basis of a lifestyle in which health benefits are likely to be enjoyed.

The Benefits of Dietary Fiber

According to the National Health Service in UK, fiber is an important part of a healthy balanced diet. It can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and some cancers, and can also improve digestive health.

And in the US, the Mayo Clinic reports:

“Dietary fiber — found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes — is probably best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But foods containing fiber can provide other health benefits as well, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.”

Bottom line - to optimize the absorption and thus maximize the energy potential and health enhancements of a vegan diet, fiber is critical, and in my experience, the most impactful benefits I have enjoyed while eating a plant-based diet are those arising from fiber, including:

• Increased energy
• Decreased body fat
• Lower blood pressure
• Enhanced immune system
• Elimination of all digestive issues

A plant-based diet can deliver some incredible health benefits, both those benefits that you experience in your daily life and those which are there protecting you unnoticed. Planning my nutrition to consume a minimum of 60 grams of fiber from FOOD (not supplements) each day results in me enjoying the foods that keep me healthy.