There are quite a few benefits to eating a vegan diet, but some people still fail to grasp how plant-only nourishment can be good for your health.
The doubt about the vegan choice of foods stems partly from the fact that human beings have evolved to be omnivores. The omnivore nature of humans can be observed in the teeth. Humans, like most other omnivores, have canines, incisors, and chewing molars—ideal tools for their usual meals.
In the contemporary world, however, people don’t have to hunt for meat in order to survive and thrive. In fact, the vegan diet benefits may even exceed the advantages of an omnivore diet.
Take a look at some of the top benefits vegan foods may bring. These benefits should help you get a better understanding of all the positive changes your choice to go vegan may bring.
You Can Shed Excess Weight
A growing number of people resort to a vegan diet to lose weight, and there are some good reasons for making this kind of choice.
As a rule, vegans are much thinner and leaner than non-vegans. A 2013 study found that the participants on a vegan diet were able to lose 9.3lbs more than the group on a regular controlled diet. This is an interesting fact because the participants on a vegan diet were allowed to eat as much as they wanted.
So if you are looking for an effective way to shed excess pounds, going vegan may be just the thing you need. You won’t have to starve yourself or feel hungry all the time. To get the best results, make sure to consume only healthy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Rich in Nutrients
The richness of nutrients that comes with some vegan foods is among the primary vegan diet benefits. As a matter of fact, the vegan diet is even richer in some essential nutrients than most other diet options.
When you decide to ditch animal-based products, you consequently rely solely on other types of food for sustenance. Most vegans, for example, resort to whole foods as a good replacement for animal-based protein and nutrients. Since a vegan diet consists mainly of whole foods, there is a higher intake of healthy nutrients.
What’s more, clear scientific evidence shows that a vegan diet is richer in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. As such, your body won’t lack any of these essential compounds that are required for healthy living.
Improved Heart Health
Cardiovascular diseases are among the most widespread chronic illnesses in the modern world. Recent data indicates that about one in every three deaths in the U.S. is linked to a heart disease or some other cardiovascular condition.
On the bright side, the vegan diet benefits can significantly improve the health of your heart and blood vessels. Namely, eating a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits provides all the fibers, minerals, and other nutrients your cardiovascular system needs.
On top of that, vegan foods like nuts and legumes may keep your blood pressure at an optimal level. Due to this, there is much less risk of stroke and you will feel fitter and more energized.
An Energy Boost
Non-vegans tend to consume a great number of processed sugars and fats. The negative side-effect of these foods is that they notably reduce your energy levels. On the other hand, a vegan diet provides an opposite effect.
When you eat fresh vegan foods rich in minerals and vitamins, you will feel a significant improvement in your energy levels. Even if you are new to the vegan diet, it takes only a week or so for these vegan diet benefits to kick in.
However, being a vegan does not mean that you should deprive yourself of sugars. There are a lot of healthy syrups that add sweetness to your vegan meals. At the same time, you can go for some sugar alternatives like stevia, rapadura, or maple sugar.
Improved Brain Health
Vegans generally feel less anxious and stressed out compared to omnivores. They also tend to have sharper brains than their non-vegan friends. This mental stability and capacity are inextricably linked to the vegan diet and lifestyle.
As you already understand, a vegan diet is packed with foods that are rich in vitamins. The vitamins B12, D, and A are all essential for the proper function of your brain. These vitamins affect the brain’s metabolic processes and may influence your mood and cognitive functions.
When planning your vegan diet, look for fruits and vegetables that are rich in the vitamins mentioned above. This will ensure that you are a sharp and happy cookie.
Healthy Bones
Calcium is the most important element for healthy bones. Non-vegans mostly get their calcium from milk and cheese. However, animal-based dairy products are not the only source of this mineral.
Great calcium sources for vegans include black-eyed peas, figs, and turnip greens. Spinach is another leafy green that contains a bunch of calcium and iron as well. You can also give some animal milk alternatives a try, seeing as plant-based milk substitutes can be highly beneficial for your bones.
You can take almond or soy milk since they are both rich in magnesium and potassium. These minerals are also important for the strength of your bones.
On top of that, a study shows that vegan metabolism is also better at absorbing calcium and some other essential elements.
Lower Risk of Cancer
Among all other vegan diet benefits, a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer might be the most important one.
According to research, if you eat seven or more portions of fresh vegetables or fruits a day, there is 15% less chance you’ll die from cancer. The vegan diet consists of large amounts of legumes and soy products that provide protection from some types of cancer.
In addition, vegans don’t smoke their food or cook it at high temperatures. As a rule, food that has not been processed too much retains all the nutrients and provides better nourishment. Consequently, there is a lower risk of developing cancer.
The Final Takeaway
In today’s fast-paced world, a healthy diet is of utmost importance. Contrary to popular belief, the vegan diet provides your body with all the nourishment it needs. That’s not to mention all the other vegan diet benefits for your overall health. Thus there is no reason to deprive your body of the minerals, vitamins, and nutrients it can get from a vegan diet.
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