The American Dietetic Association has recently declared the vegan diet as not only sufficiently nutritious but a healthier option for those who are genetically predisposed to developing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and cardiac diseases. Plant-based lifestyles have recently become a trend in the dieting community and many myths surrounding the diet have been debunked. A healthy and balanced vegan diet is now proven to prevent premature aging, many preventable diseases, and most importantly, it’s also a cruelty-free lifestyle that takes a massive step towards saving the planet.
If you’re considering jumping on the vegan bandwagon, here are 7 reasons why a plant-based diet can be good for you.
1. Keeps Preventable Diseases at Bay
Even though illnesses such as type 2 diabetes are considered preventable, around 400 million people around the world suffer from it. Recent studies show that a vegan diet can significantly lower the chances of developing diabetes as well as heart diseases. In fact, a study published by the U.S National Library of Medicine concluded that a high intake of animal protein is directly related to insulin resistance.
2. Keeps Your Energy Levels High
Because a balanced vegan diet is rich in natural sugars like fructose and other high-energy foods like nut butter, high-fat fruit, and seed pastes, individuals who follow a plant-based diet report higher energy levels throughout the day. Although these foods can be consumed alongside animal-protein sources, vegans naturally eat a much wider variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, seeing as their protein intake is dependent on them. And because plants are much easier for our bodies to digest, energy levels are not compromised during digestion.
3. A Cruelty-free Lifestyle
Many studies have proven that human beings can not only survive but can thrive, on a plant-based diet. Consequently, the meat and dairy industries are believed to solely exist for our taste pleasure and are not necessary for us to survive. Further, these industries take a toll on the environment, primarily because of the great amounts of water that it takes to produce just one meat product. You can click here for more information on how you can live a green and environmentally friendly life on a budget. As more people join this movement, we can collectively work to save the thousands of acres of our planet’s rainforests that are cleared every day for animal agriculture.
4. Prevents Premature Aging
A balanced vegan diet is entirely dependent on fruits, vegetables, and nuts for essential nutrients, all of which contain great amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which in turn keep skin plump and taught. A plant-based diet that is rich in vitamin C, E, and copper can turn the clock and reverse premature skin aging. In fact, recent tests show that organic whole-foods can increase telomerase, an enzyme responsible for protecting your body cells from deteriorating, and can thus keep our bodily functions in check.
5. Can Aid in Weight Loss
Balanced plant-based diets are high-fiber, low-calorie, and high-fat, which means that your body can easily get the nutrition it needs while burning calories. With that being said, not all vegan diets will help you shed weight. If all you eat is pasta and fried foods, you’ll likely put on weight. A healthy and balanced plant-based diet comprises nutrient-dense foods such as legumes, non-starchy vegetables, and leafy greens, which will keep you feeling full and will help you shed those extra pounds.
6. Delicious Vegan Alternatives
Plant-based diets are not as restrictive as they used to be. Thanks to vegan food industries, you don’t have to give up on cheese, milk, eggs, or even burgers! Vegan alternatives are made from non-GMO foods, such as legumes, nuts, and soybeans. So if you ever crave some barbeque, you can always throw some Beyond burgers on the grill, slap on a slice of vegan cheese, and voila! You have your delicious juicy sandwich, and no animals were harmed in the making!
7. May Prevent Cancer
While it may sound too good to be true, decades of research proves that the best diet for cancer prevention is a balanced plant-based diet that includes lots of raw fruits and vegetables, and occasionally some cooked legumes. In a recent study, 70,000 volunteers who switched to vegan lifestyles were found to have lower cancer rates when compared with individuals who include animal products in their diet, including eggs, meat, and dairy. While it’s unclear whether it’s the consumption of organic foods that contribute to more efficient cell regeneration or if it’s the cutting out of animal products, the results are nonetheless proof that plant-based diets are our current healthiest option.
A fully plant-based diet is both healthy and ethical. It provides your body with all the nutrients and fiber it needs, while also keeping your weight and health in check. By following a vegan lifestyle, you’ll be doing yourself and the planet a favor. If the diet is too restrictive for you, it’s best to start by gradually cutting out animal products and replacing them with plant-based alternatives until you can adjust to this lifestyle.
