The rise of veganism has skyrocketed in recent years as more people are taking a stand for animal rights and searching for healthier lifestyle habits. It turns out, veganism offers a wide range of health benefits that can greatly improve your life.
What Is a Plant-Based Diet?
A plant-based diet is a type of diet that includes only plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts and seeds. Meat, dairy, eggs, and fish are excluded from this diet.
The Benefits of Eating Plant-Based
Here are some of the reasons why eating vegan can be beneficial to your health:
Weight Loss: Plant-based foods contain fewer calories and are lower in fat and cholesterol than animal-based products, so replacing those with vegan options can help you lose weight.
Reduced Heart Disease Risk: Plant-based diets are typically high in fiber and low in saturated fat, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
Protection Against Type 2 Diabetes: Eating mostly plant-based foods can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, since these foods are generally high in fiber and low in sugar.
Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers: Eating a plant-based diet can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon and breast cancer.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s clear to see that veganism has lots of health benefits. Eating a vegan diet can help you lose weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes, and even lower the risk of certain types of cancer. If you’re considering going vegan, do your research first to choose the right vegan-friendly foods that are right for you.
What are some of the benefits of eating a vegan diet?
1. Improved Heart Health – Plant-based diets are rich in fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals, all of which can help protect against heart disease.
2. Lower Risk of Cancer – Eating vegan can help lower your risk of certain cancers. A 2017 study found that following a vegan diet was linked to a 15% lower risk of all-cause mortality, particularly related to cancer.
3. Weight Loss – Eating vegan can help you lose weight and keep it off. Studies found that vegans lost more weight than non-vegans who followed a similar diet.
4. Reduced Risk of Diabetes – Eating vegan can also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Vegan diets are associated with better blood sugar control and improved insulin sensitivity.
5. Improved Gut Health – A vegan diet helps reduce inflammation and improve gut health. Plant-based diets are rich in prebiotics, which can benefit your digestion and overall health.
6. Improved Mood– Eating a vegan diet can also help improve your mood. Plant-based diets are associated with lower rates of depression and stress.
What are the health benefits of eating a vegan diet?
1. Lower risk of heart disease: A vegan diet is typically low in saturated fat and rich in antioxidants and fiber. These components have been linked to lower cholesterol levels, improved blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and other health benefits.
2. Reduced risk of certain cancers: Eating a vegan diet may help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers. This is due to the wide variety of protective compounds found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains that may help protect against cell damage and the development of certain types of cancer.
3. Weight loss: Studies have found that vegans tend to weigh less than their counterparts on other diets, and that following a vegan diet is associated with a significant decrease in calorie and fat intake.
4. Improved digestive health: Eating a plant-based diet may help to improve digestive health because of the high concentrations of fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
5. Reduced risk of diabetes: Studies have linked vegan diets to reductions in diabetes risk. This is due to a variety of factors, including improved glycemic control, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and improved weight management.
6. Improved mood: Eating a vegan diet may have a positive effect on mood, potentially due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of plant-based foods.
What are some common vegan sources of protein?
1. Tofu
2. Beans and lentils
3. Nuts and seeds
4. Nut/soy/rice milk
5. Quinoa
6. Hemp seeds
7. Tempeh
8. Flax seeds
9. Edamame
10. Organic tofu burgers or strips
11. Soy yogurt
12. Pea protein powder
13. Green peas
14. Seitan
15. Vegetable stir-fries Or soups Made with beans, lentils, mushrooms, etc.
What are some vegan sources of protein other than beans?
1. Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, hemp, chia, and flax
2. Tofu and tempeh
3. Quinoa, buckwheat, and other whole grains
4. Vegetables such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, asparagus and broccoli
5. Nutritional yeast
6. Spirulina
7. Soy, oat, and pea-based protein powders
8. Mushrooms
9. Legumes such as lentils and chickpeas
10. Peanut and other nut butters
11. Seitan (a seasoned wheat-based protein derived from wheat gluten)
12. Avocado and avocado oil
