The Benefits of Beginning a Vegan Diet

As a general rule the vegan diet is based on plant based proteins and these do not have the same harmful effects that animal food products are associated with.

Because of the wide range of health benefits attributed to this diet plan, it is no wonder that so many big name celebrity and sports icons are rooting for the vegan way. Here are some of the major benefits of the plant based diet plan.

1. Nutritious diet

All the minerals and vitamins your body needs to function optimally are available in the fruits and veggies of the produce section. Then, there are healthy nuts, seeds, grains and pulses to provide everything else. There have been numerous studies that show those who eat a healthy plant based diet regularly intake more antioxidants, magnesium, fiber, folate and vitamins A, C and E.

2. Eating vegan reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases

Another study has shown that the vegan diet can reduce the risk of a wide range of other diseases and maladies that can come from animal products. One reason is that fruits and veggies are rich in phytochemicals that have the capacity to fight cancers. For example, there are powerful antioxidants with greater bioavailability in the vegan diet. Researchers have found that those who are on the vegan diet have a greater store of carotenoids, lower levels of saturated fats and also a greater proportion of omega-3 fatty acids. All of these attributes are linked to better health and a stronger immune system.

In a study that spanned 11-years and was conducted in Germany, 800 vegetarian men found that their rates of developing cancer were greatly diminished.

3. Vegan food can boost your mood

It has been noted that the feeling on the all-plant based diet in which no animals were harmed or mistreated in the production of your food, imparts a feeling of happiness and well-being. Studies have supported this and the vegan banquet hall has been a much happier place than the carnivorous sections. As a matter of fact, vegans and vegetarians in general have repeatedly scored higher on their happiness tests than those who regularly eat meat and fish.

4. Eating vegan can help you achieve a healthy body weight

Vegan foods have far fewer calories than meat based products. The lower calorie count means you will never have to spend time counting calories as the diet plan is already geared toward a healthy body weight. Furthermore, vegan food is very low in saturated fats, in comparison to animal products. It is probably for these reasons that vegans tend to have a lower body mass index compared to non-vegans.

5. It can help prevent type 2 diabetes

Research has also shown that the vegan diet can help prevent type-2 diabetes. This is because those consuming healthy veggies tend to have lower blood sugar levels. This can reduce the chances of contracting diabetes by as much as 78%. Furthermore, the many healthy plant based foods can also reduce some of the risks associated with diabetes, like obesity.

6. Eating vegan has been known to diminish the pain of arthritis

Studies have also shown that the diet rich in healthy foods can also reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Eating plant based probiotic foods has been known to reduce the inflammation by improving the digestion in the gut. Furthermore, animal based products have been known to cause inflammation.

With all of these benefits you have to ask yourself the question: is it time to go vegan?