Wellbeing

Going Vegan for Health: 5 Advantages of a Vegan Diet

There are many reasons to go vegan, and today, more and more people are choosing to do so.

Some people go vegan because they love animals; they don’t like eating or using the lives of other living creatures for their own benefit. Others do it simply because it is a much more sustainable way to live on our planet.

Although many vegans choose their vegan diet and lifestyle for a combination of reasons, more and more people today are going vegan for health. Cutting meat, dairy, and other animal products out of one’s diet offer vast health benefits – many of which vegans begin to experience and enjoy almost immediately after making the change.

Read on to learn more about veganism and the ways it can help you lead a healthier – and therefore happier – life.

What is Veganism?

It’s hard to know how many vegans there are in the United States. Many studies have tried to determine this number over the years, with little luck due to a number of factors. However, thanks to these studies, today it is estimated that about 1% to 2% of our country’s residents are practicing vegans. 

That may not sound like many, but it is a promising percentage. That percent has risen over the years and continues to rise. As more and more people begin to understand the many health benefits of eating this way, more people are jumping on board. When you add in the fact that no animals are harmed, and vegans’ impact on the earth is far reduced, it’s no wonder it is becoming more popular.

Veganism, simply defined, is a diet in which adherents avoid eating animal products of all kinds. This includes meat, fish and dairy products, obviously, but it also includes items that we may not immediately consider such as honey, gelatin, and a variety of additives derived from animals

Five Reasons for Going Vegan for Health

Although the main reason many vegans choose this lifestyle is due to their respect for animals and the earth, there are also many incredible health benefits to this way of eating.

Weight Loss

Veganism can promote weight loss in many who eat this way. On average, vegans are about twenty pounds lighter than meat-eaters are. Weight loss is one primary reason that some people turn to a plant-based diet. 

Reduced Risk of Cancer

Eating red meat can be as dangerous as smoking tobacco. in 2015, the World Health Organization labeled red meat a Group 2 carcinogen, and put processed meat in Group 1 – the same category as tobacco and asbestos. Some suspect that dairy may be a carcinogen as well. 

Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. The consumption of red meat has been directly linked to heart disease. Not only do vegans avoid this risk by avoiding this food, but they also eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, fiber, and nuts, all of which are good for the heart. 

In fact, according to some studies, vegans may have up to a 42% lower risk of dying from heart disease.  

Improved Kidney Function & Reduced Blood Sugar Levels

When you eat out at a vegan restaurant, you may not be thinking at all about your kidneys or diabetes risk. However, studies have shown that vegans have lower blood sugar levels, higher insulin sensitivity, and a much lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Reduction of Arthritis Symptoms

Some studies have shown that individuals who suffer from arthritis experienced some relief after switching to a vegan diet. Inflammation was reduced, and participants felt that they did not feel as much pain, joint swelling, and morning stiffness after going vegan for health reasons. 

Try Veganism

If you are considering going vegan for health, what’s stopping you? Give it a try and you will quickly see, feel, and experience the vast benefits of this diet. You will be amazed by the changes in your body, and soon you may even feel happier, too.  Once you try it, you may find that you don’t want to go back to your old ways.  Good luck!

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