It’s no secret that plant-based diets are beneficial to one’s health. Whether by boosting the immune system, regulating hormones, or elevating mood, doctors and other wellness professionals have begun to use plant-based food as medicine to treat a variety of different health concerns.

Recently, Bellevue Hospital’s Doctor Michelle McMacken has taken this idea to the next level, designing a plant-based eating program, which provides vegan diet plans to patients living with chronic health issues..

In a quote to ABC 7 New York, Dr. McMacken explains: “It actually comes down to diet, diet really features extremely prominently,” she explains “And of all different kinds of diets, a plant-based diet is an extraordinarily effective approach, honestly it’s a transformative approach.”

The program won’t technically cook the food in hospital, but will provide doctors, dietitians, and dietary coaches for all of the 100 initial participants.

When asked about what types of conditions this program helps to combat, Dr. McMacken said: “We are accepting any patient who has a history of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or issues with body weight, overweight or obesity.”

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who employs a vegan to combat his diabetes, helped get the city to contribute $400,000 to this innovative pilot program.

“We are introducing in a real way, in the oldest hospital in America, a concept that is called disease reversal,” said Adams.

The program is accessible to any New York City resident no matter what their income or insurance.  It begins in January.

Health-Booting Plant-Based Food!

Of course, you don’t need to head to New York Hospitals to get health-boosting vegan food. Check out these recipes, courtesy of the Food Monster App.

Red Lentil and Mushroom Soup with Garlic and Ginger

Source: Red Lentil and Mushroom Soup with Garlic and Ginger

This Red Lentil and Mushroom Soup with Garlic and Gingerby Jenny Marie is a relaxing and cozy dish for chillier days! The ginger gives it a lovely ‘spicy’ kick, and there’s a great peppery lentil taste. Blend the whole lot up into a very comforting thick and creamy soup!

Warm Blueberry Overnight Oats 

Source: Warm Blueberry Overnight Oats 

Warm Blueberry Overnight Oats by Sophie Parker has a great contrast, as the oatmeal base is cold but the blueberry compote is warm. The oat base also has a slight caramel taste from the maca powder, which works perfectly with the juicy and tangy blueberry compote.

Immunity Boosting Miso Soup 

Source: Immunity Boosting Miso Soup

Immunity Boosting Miso Soup by Crissy Cavanaugh should be served with steamed short grain brown rice that has been cooked with a little bit of coconut oil for added immune Support. Sprinkle with gomasio and pink sea salt for extra yumminess! This soup can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is totally kid-friendly!

For more like 10 Foods That Will Boost Your Immunity During Flu Season, we recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

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