For some people, the benefits of going vegan might be truly worthwhile. Learn about those benefits in this short breakdown.
As of 2019, just 3% of Americans called themselves vegans. A vegan diet is one that avoids all animal products including meat, dairy, eggs, and even honey.
Plant-based diets have become more popular in recent years. Some people opt for a meatless meal each week, drink dairy-free milk, and use plant-based meats.
While plant-based choices are a healthier option, fully going vegan comes with a lot of benefits. Keep reading to learn about the many benefits of going vegan.
Can Help with Weight Loss
Losing excess weight can also be one of the benefits of going vegan. If your diet is based around vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, you’ll fill up on healthy fiber and other nutrients rather than excess calories.
Produce is naturally lower in calories compared to meat and dairy products.
For example, if you eat a big salad with lots of vegetables, beans, and seeds, you’ll feel as full as if you ate a traditional meat-focused meal. The difference is, you won’t consume as many calories.
May Reduce Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is a joint inflammation that can lead to a lot of pain. The high antioxidants, healthy fiber, and probiotics that come along with eating a vegan diet can help lower inflammation.
The real benefits come when you don’t just think about the animal products you’re cutting out, but what healthy foods you’re adding. For the best results, focus on whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, and seeds and legumes.
A vegan diet may also improve arthritis symptoms
because it’s easier to avoid your trigger foods.
May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
Fiber, fruits and vegetables, and legumes are key to lowering your risk of heart disease. Since these are all key elements of a vegan diet, you may lower your heart disease risk if you switch to vegan food.
You also may find it easier to regulate your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, and lower your blood pressure when you follow a vegan diet.
Just remember to enjoy desserts in moderation, and try to avoid excess sugar and overly processed foods when you can. If you rely too much on these foods to supplement a vegan diet, you could be undoing any benefits you might gain.
Can Boost Your Energy Levels
By avoiding processed foods and focusing on whole foods in a vegan diet, you might notice a boost in your energy levels.
When you eat foods that are high in fiber and low in added sugar, your body digests them slowly. That means you won’t get a sugar rush and then a crash.
If you choose whole foods and stay away from added sugar, you’ll feel more alert and full of energy.
Are You Thinking About Going Vegan?
If you’re willing to cut meat and dairy out of your diet, going vegan might be the right choice for you. If you have any other health conditions, talk with your doctor to find out if it’s safe for you. You may need to take supplements to make up for any nutrition gaps.
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