There are more benefits to going vegan than you might think. You don't just get the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the food you're eating has never come from a living thing, you also tap into nutrition and health advantages that people on a traditional western diet just wouldn't get.
If you're wondering whether going vegan is the right choice for you and your family, here are some of the health benefits that you could look forward to after making the switch.
You'll Get More Nutrients
Typically, a vegan diet is richer in certain nutrients. Even if you're indulging in chocolate cream pies and other treats from time to time, you'll also be getting a lot of other great, healthy foods into your routine.
Removing animal and meat products from your diet forces you to rely on things like fruits, grains, seeds, and more.
Studies show that vegan diets are typically more effective at providing antioxidants, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds than their meat-based counterparts. There may also be higher amounts of vitamins like C, A, and E in vegan diets - if you plan your food correctly. You may also find yourself saving time cooking, as it’s very easy to just switch on your induction hob and boil up some tasty veggies.
Vegan Diets Could Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Going vegan could also have a number of benefits to offer for people with type 2 diabetes, as well as individuals who have issues with their kidney function. Studies indicate that vegan diets lead to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes than the standard western diet.
Evidence suggests that you can fight back against diabetes with the right menu and meal plan which is specifically focused on lowering your blood sugar. On the other hand, this doesn’t mean you could eat vegan brownies every day.
Going Vegan Can Help You Lose Weight
One big benefit of veganism that prompts a lot of people to try this way of life, is the fact that going vegan can help you to lose weight. Many studies suggest that vegans often experience reduced body mass indexes than their counterparts. That's probably because vegans avoid many of the foods that can be dangerous to their weight, like red meats and fatty substances like cheese.
In one study, a vegan diet assisted participants in losing over 9.3 pounds - more than the 18-week study period. Additionally, people using a vegan diet were able to lose more weight than those following calorie-restricted diets. That means that you could potentially eat more and still lose weight on a vegan diet.
Veganism Could Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
Eating plenty of fresh legumes, vegetables, fruits, and other fibers as part of a vegan diet is a great way to protect various parts of your body, including your heart. One observational study that compared vegetarians and vegans to the general population found that vegans have a 75% lower risk of suffering from issues with high blood pressure.
Embracing a vegan diet means replacing a lot of the foods that could be detrimental to your heart, with substances that can positively improve your heart's strength. Compared to the general population, most vegans will eat a lot more nuts and whole grains, which are great for encouraging proper cardiac functioning.
Going Vegan Might Protect You Against Some Cancers
There's still a lot of research to be done into cancer and what causes this terrible disease. However, some experts are beginning to think that adjusting your diet could reduce your risk significantly. For instance, eating legumes frequently can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by up to 18%, according to some studies.
Eating the high amounts of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods included in a vegan diet is a great way to improve your general health and give yourself a more powerful immune system. While research is ongoing, some scientists also believe that avoiding certain animal products could help to reduce your risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
Vegan Diets Might Reduce Pain
Some studies suggest that vegan diets may have a positive impact on people with certain kinds of arthritis. If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, then adapting your diet could be the perfect cure. In one study on 40 patients with arthritis, those on a vegan diet generally had better comfort and higher energy levels than people who didn't change their diet.
If you're struggling with pain in any part of your life, one of the simpler ways to boost your wellness could be adjusting what you eat.
Should You Go Vegan?
A vegan diet might not be the right choice for everyone, but it does have a lot of advantages to offer, including a potentially healthier life for you and your family. There's still a lot of research to be done, but it's hard to argue with the benefits of going vegan.
