6 Health Benefits of Veganism

6 Health Benefits of Veganism

Veganism used to be met with many gasps of disapproval and repetitive responses that sounded something like, “but you can’t just not eat meat!” Though some people still hold on to this attitude, more and more people are choosing to remove animals completely from their diet – even cheese! Its numerous health benefits are backed up by science and is more nutritious than diets that include meat.
 

What Is Veganism?

 
Veganism is a type of lifestyle with no consumption of animals or animal byproducts for health or ethical reasons. Unlike vegetarians, vegans don’t consume eggs or dairy products. It follows a plant-based diet with meat substitutes for protein like tofu and eggplant.
 

The Benefits of Veganism

 

  1. It has zero animal fats.

Eliminating animals and animal byproducts from your diet eliminates your animal fat intake. Animal fats have been linked to many diseases like arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, among others. There is also the risk of ingesting cancer-linked chemicals and toxins from their environment.

  1. It’s nutritious.

Research has shown that a vegan diet provides your body more nutrients than a Western diet. Without meat in your diet, protein must be found in alternatives such as whole grains, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds that are packed with nutrients that are good for your body.

  1. It lowers blood sugar levels and improves kidney function.

Vegans tend to have lower blood sugar levels and higher insulin sensitivity that lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes up to almost 80%!

  1. It’s good for your bones.

Increasing your calcium intake with vegetables like black-eyed peas, turnip greens, kale, spinach, figs, and dairy alternatives like soy or almond milk makes the body more efficient absorbing calcium and improves bone metabolism.

  1. It builds up your protection against chronic illnesses.

A plant-based diet can lower your risk in developing illnesses such as heart disease, arthritis pain, and some cancers. Highly nutritious plants protect your body from chronic illnesses because it improves your overall health.

  1. It makes you lose weight.

First, it’s important to know that you can gain weight even on a vegan diet. On a properly planned diet, however, calorie intake is reduced significantly helping with weight loss.
 

The Right Way to Be Vegan

 
It’s a trick. There is no right way to be vegan, but there are ways to follow a vegan diet that will be better for your health since you can eat potato chips and candy all day, which aren’t animal products, but aren’t exactly good for your health. It’s important to properly adjust your plant-based diet so that you get the right of nutrients you need.

On a vegan diet, you may have to find foods that meet your dietary needs and ensure that you get enough of the following:

  • Vitamin B-12
  • Iron
  • Calories
  • Vitamin D
  • Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and ALA
  • Calcium
  • Iron

It’s easy to be a vegan nowadays with the good ol’ Internet. Long-time vegans and other food specialists offer delicious recipes that you can make at home.

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