10 Benefits of a Vegan Diet
You may have a cursory understanding of what vegan food includes. And chances are you’ve seen this type of diet gaining in popularity. If you’re ready to explore what a vegan diet can do for your health and well-being, there’s no better time than the present.
With more scientific studies on consuming vegan food, there’s a lot of information to help you decide if this diet is right for you. Let’s start with understanding exactly what a vegan is.
A vegan diet simplified
Basically, this kind of diet consists of eating only plant-based products. In addition to fruits and vegetables, vegans include grains, nuts, and seeds in their meals. They do not consume meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products.
Any food that comes from an animal or other living creature should be avoided. For example, honey is made by bees so it’s off the menu. Similarly, products like rennet and gelatine sourced from meat are also not part of a vegan diet.
Health benefits of vegan eating
There are a number of reasons why a vegan diet is worthwhile.
1. Better skin—Certain studies have demonstrated that eating a plant-based diet can support skin health. Essentially, this is due to fruits and vegetables being rich in chemicals called polyphenols and nutrients like vitamins C and E. These compounds are known to alleviate a range of skin conditions, from acne and atopic dermatitis to psoriasis and make skin look younger, too.
2. Controlled blood sugar—Going vegan means consuming whole grains and whole foods. Such meals take longer to digest, as opposed to food that’s highly processed. As the body breaks down this material, it releases carbohydrates at a slower pace, and this works to stabilize blood sugar. This diet offers food that is high in dietary fiber and has a lower glycemic index, assisting anyone with a blood sugar issue.
3. Easier weight management—For many people, weight management is a battle. The good thing about switching to a vegan diet is that it can help you in achieving an optimal body mass index. Plant-based meals take less energy to consume and include healthier fats and have high levels of fiber. As such, they’re better able to satiate your hunger and prevent snacking.
4. Fewer diabetic complications—This type of diet is believed to reduce complications for those living with type 2 diabetes. Plant-based food has less saturated fat. What’s more, there are more phyto-nutrients in vegetables and fruits that aid in disease prevention and support the body’s overall functioning. Additionally, there are studies indicating that this way of eating may relieve peripheral neuropathy pain that often accompanies diabetes.
5. Healthier digestive system—An excellent path to better gut health is to change to a vegan diet. A properly functioning digestive system is key for overall well-being. Medical science continues to show how our gut microbiome impacts not only our physical health, but also how we think and feel. Plant-based eating introduces healthy gut bacteria for a more balanced microbiome that’s better able to fight off diseases.
6. Improved kidney function—A plant-based diet is an excellent option for anyone with kidney disease. Basically, this kind of diet helps the kidneys to function better. Therefore, it can be a game changer and reduce the risk of kidney-related health complications.
7. Better nutrition—One of the best aspects of a vegan diet is that it offers the body a wealth of nutrients. Whole foods, including those that are fortified with additional nutrients, come with more dietary fiber and antioxidants. Plus, they have admirable quantities of minerals such as potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins C and E and folate.
8. Less inflammation—There are many conditions related to inflammation. This is where eating vegan food can be very beneficial. A diet packed with fruits and vegetables can serve to reduce inflammatory pain and joint stiffness in diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are several studies that illustrate the advantages of a vegan diet for a better overall ability to cope with many inflammatory illnesses.
9. Lower risk of some cancers—Interestingly, a vegan diet appears to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Vegan food shows promise in helping to prevent cancers of the colon, throat, lung, mouth, pancreas, prostrate, and stomach. There’s some evidence that it may also protect against breast cancer.
10. Stronger heart—A plant-based diet can help your heart in several ways. It can aid in lowering bad cholesterol and keeping your blood pressure at a more optimal level. In particular, men appear to benefit more than women in terms of significantly reduced cardiac risk factors. Moreover, lower blood pressure translates into a reduced risk of stroke.
In closing
With a little know-how and creative cooking, it can be quite easy to consume a balanced vegan diet. However, you really won’t understand the full health benefits of a vegan diet until you experience it for yourself.