More Greens, Please

Experts agree: You can’t go wrong with a plant-based diet.

- Beth Lipton

IT SEEMS LIKE everyone on Instagram— and in Hollywood— is talking about going vegan or vegetarian (whether it’s for health reasons, animal rights, or the good of the planet). Those diets aren’t for all of us, but one thing’s for sure: We can all benefit from getting the bulk of our food from plants— a broader approach that’s known as plant-based eating.

Research suggests that a diet rich in veggies can slash a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes, lower the odds of cardiac events (such as heart attacks) by 40 percent, and help protect against several types of cancer. Such impressive benefits stem in part from the abundance of essential nutrients found in plant foods, including fiber and super- potent phytochemicals.

Feeling inspired to green up your plate? We asked experts for the scoop on moving toward a plant- centric diet.

The Basics