Veganism is a lifestyle on the rise, but despite the positive environment and ethical impact it offers, it doesn’t always get the best rap. Those against plant-based diets are often vehemently so, claiming that they in no way can provide enough nutrients to keep people both happy and healthy.
But that, my friend, is simply not the case! There are more possibilities than ever before with delicious plant-based recipes and options to explore. Even those who can’t resist the siren call of a classic BLT or cheese burger are beginning to see the benefits of at least adding a sprinkling of vegan recipes to their regular fare.
A plant-based diet boasts an impressive array of health advantages that might just make it worth the switch.
And today we will cover the top reasons why we think it’s great to go vegan!
It can help keep off extra pounds
There’s no denying that vegans typically have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) than non-vegans. This is due to the fact that plant-based foods are generally lower in calories. Leafy greens, whole grains, fruits, and beans also have the added advantage of being high in fiber, helping keep you full until your next meal, and eliminating the need for snacking.
Also, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to digest these kinds of foods as it does animal products. In addition, vegan diets tend to be naturally rich in healthy carbs which gives vegans an uptick in their energy levels that makes them more inclined to engage in fitness activities.
You can become more informed about cooking and nutrition
When eliminating entire food groups from your diet, you’ll find that what you’re left with is not only restrictive but can get monotonous if you eat the same thing every other day. So, if you decide to try veganism, you will likely find yourself inspired to look beyond the limits of the foods you already know in favor of creative (not to mention tasty) ways to replace the nutrients you may be missing out on.
Not only will this have the effect of making your diet more varied, but learning more about the nutritional profiles of different foods will help you make better and more informed meal choices, overall. As a vegan you would be adding in more nutrient-rich options like whole grains, fruit, nuts, seeds, and vegetables, which are packed full of beneficial fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Eliminating animal products reduces heart disease risk
With coronary issues posing a bigger health risk than ever before, it’s time to really start looking after that ticker. Research has shown there to be a connection between a higher intake of plant-based foods and better outcomes in terms of heart disease. So, if you want to live a long and healthy life, it makes sense to start being more intentional about what you’re putting in your body.
Animal products like meat, butter, and cheese are loaded with saturated fats which can increase cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. Picking a healthy, balanced diet can help with reducing those cholesterol levels. Beyond this, vegans also have up to a 75% lower risk of developing high blood pressure making for an all-around happier heart.
You can better manage your blood sugar and associated issues
Another advantage of a plant-based diet is that it’s very useful for controlling blood sugar. In fact, studies show that it is three times more effective than other current recommended diets in managing blood sugar levels. This means that vegans also experience lower instances of obesity, all of which lowers type 2 diabetes risk levels by as much as 78%.
If you already have diabetes, going vegan could help you better manage your blood glucose levels. For this very reason, plant-based diets are now at the center of many diabetes-management programs. That being said, you still need to go for nutritious choices of vegan food in your plant-based diet. Unfortunately, many ultra-processed vegan foods offer no nutritious benefits whatsoever, and should absolutely be avoided in favor of more natural options.
Going vegan protects against certain types of cancers
The World Health Organization has recently classified processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans” and red meat as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” linking it to different types of cancers, including colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. So, it pays to begin thinking about more healthful alternatives for your body.
Not only can a plant-based diet help you reduce your consumption of harmful, processed meat to protect against cancers, but studies also show promise for plants helping to boost overall wellness and immunity. Biologically active compounds in plants, such as fiber, vitamins, and powerful phytochemicals can up your defenses against various cancers. So, adding more of this good stuff could potentially cut your risk of cancer by 14%.
If you have decided to opt for either a reduced or no animal-product diet, you may still be floundering around for alternatives that will help ward off cravings while keeping you satisfied. If so, we recommend checking our excellent meat-free recipes. A few simple switch outs (such as eggless Crepinis) on our vegetarian recipes for burger wraps, chorizo tacos, and avocado cups will make your meals both carb-free and vegan-friendly too – and of course, delicious and nutritious.
Happy plant-based eating!