The world of Tzu Chi Augusts 2021 (Vol.136)

2021 • 08 12 eature guidelines: No refined/processed foods, such as vegetarian ingredients, cookies, etc; no refined carbs, such as white bread, white rice, etc; no meat, fish and seafood; no eggs and milk; no sugar or less sugar, less salt, no oil or less oil; no MSG and ready-made sauces high in fat and sugar. Lifestyle Medicine, named as one of the top five emerging medical specialties in 2018 by the Association of American Medical Colleges, is a treatment modality that targets the causes of chronic diseases, through evidence- based medical improvements of lifestyle. The aim is to prevent, reverse, and manage chronic diseases in a non-drug and non-surgical manner. While consuming more greens and plant- based food may be common knowledge, many people are concerned that a plant-based diet may not provide enough proteins for the body. According to Dr. Chan, consuming proteins from meat increases the risk of inflammation and chronic diseases whereas consuming proteins from a plant-based diet can increase probiotics in the body, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, thus making the body less prone to inflammation. Rich plant proteins can also lower the cholesterol level and improve blood pressure readings. Smart eating is the way forward. As what Dr. Chan said, “Food comes in a package. Do you need to sacrifice your health by splurging on meat proteins? It is better to consume plant proteins, which will make you healthier.” Plants contain more nutrition than you think Nutritionist Oo Yi Qian, a member of the food quality-control team, has witnessed many successful cases of health improvement arising from the switch to a WFPB diet. She said, “Modern medicine generally relies on medication to control the four highs (high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high uric acid), and with dietary modifications only playing a coordinating role, reversals are rarely seen. In the 21-day challenge, there is evidence of reversals in the four-highs.” Yi Qian became a vegetarian five years ago. Her conviction came when she was pursuing her master’s degree in human nutrition at the University of Bonn in Germany. She came across many nutritional studies which reported that people who consumed more plant-based foods were less likely to suffer from chronic diseases. Plants actually contain more nutrients than what most of us would think. After completing the 21-day challenge, she saw a drop in her weight. Her complexion cleared up too. Besides recording a much lower LDL cholesterol, her bowel movements became more regular. Since then, she has become convinced that this WFPB diet is transformational, not only in terms of our health but also in our cognitive alertness. Another benefit is that this diet is eco-friendly as it protects animals, reduces the destruction of the oceans, and decreases the pollution of our environment. As good as it sounds, the WFPB diet remains a dietary option, and not an alternative to healthcare treatments, so it is important for participants to continue with their prescribed medication and keep up with their medical appointments.