5 reported health benefits of going vegan
A plant-based diet is increasingly becoming recognized as a healthier alternative to a diet laden with meat.
04/09/2018
A plant-based diet is increasingly becoming recognized as a healthier alternative to a diet laden with meat. In recent years veganism has become one of the most popular diets, endorsed by many celebrities and members of the medical community. Going vegan has many benefits for us and our environment.
1. A vegan diet is richer in certain nutrients
A whole-foods vegan diet leads to a higher consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, nuts and seeds. These naturally have tons more nutrition in than animal products like meat.
Scientific studies have proven that vegan diets provide a lot more fiber, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and basic vitamins, than that of a Western diet.
2. This diet can help you lose excess weight
An increasing number of people are turning to the vegan life in order to shed some weight. The vegan diet is huge with celebrates.
There have been a lot of observation studies which have proven that vegans are generally a lot slimmer and have much lower body mass indexes (BMI) than others.
3. Vegan diet may lower blood sugar levels and improve kidney function
Studies have shown that vegans generally have much lower blood sugar levels, higher insulin sensitivity and up to a 50–78% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Following a vegan diet can help reduce your dosage needed of blood-sugar-lowering medication.
Other studies have shown that by substituting meat for plant protein may reduce their risk of poor kidney function.
Vegan diets may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They are also particularly effective at reducing blood sugar levels and may help prevent further medical issues from developing.
4. Vegan diets may reduce the risk of developing certain cancers
There are several aspects of a whole-food vegan diet, which may help protect against cancer.
For example, the increase in fibre may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, whilst the avoidance of dairy products may slightly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
The increased antioxidant content coming from the legumes, fruits and vegetables and the reduced intake of smoked or processed meats may also play a role in cancer prevention.
5. Vegan diets may help reduce the symptoms of arthritis
Studies have reported that a vegan diet has positive effects in people with different types of arthritis.
Studies showed that after just six weeks of following a vegan diet, patients arthritis pain reduced dramatically.
So by adopting a vegan lifestyle, you are not only saving the animals, you are saving yourself.
Source: BRIEFLY News South Africa