Before we dive right into 7 of the many amazing benefits of Veganism, we’ll talk a little about what Veganism actually is. Despite common misconception, Veganism is not the same as vegetarianism. Though similar, there are some pretty major differences. This is because Vegans will not use any animal products at all, including dairy, gelatin, eggs, and honey. This is a major difference, as many Vegetarians still choose to enjoy humanely-sourced diary, honey, and non-fertilized eggs. Veganism also goes beyond food. Vegans will not use any soaps, clothes, or other products that are in any way animal-sourced.
This can include everything from materials (such as leather) to dyes, health and beauty products that use pollen, honey, or gelatin, medications with gelatin capsules, to products that are tested on animals. Living a Vegan lifestyle also helps to reduce carbon footprints and help to keep the bee population alive and well, meaning that it is better for the environment than other eating choices. There are many great benefits to living the Vegan way, both ‘from within and without’. Perhaps that’s part of why it’s been gaining in popularity. But social and environmental benefits don’t hold a candle to the plethora of health benefits that going Vegan can present. From helping to reduce the risk of cancer, to improving the health of your bones, the Vegan lifestyle has no end of benefits. However, we’ve narrowed it down to just 7 of the great health benefits that Veganism has to offer!
1. Nutrient Rich Diet
The Vegan diet is a very nutrient-rich diet. It is often regarded as a highly nutritious diet. And while some have offered up concerns for the “lack” of nutrition found in meat, Vegans have found that using mushrooms, tempeh, and tofu (among others) as meat replacements not only offers a similar taste and texture, but the same nutrients found in meat. Vegans also tend to incorporate a wider array of fruits and vegetables into their diet, meaning that their nutrient intake is boosted. This is coupled with the fact that many Vegan dishes can be eaten “raw” or uncooked. Uncooked dishes tend to retain more of their nutrient content than cooked dishes.
2. Weight Loss
Even when Vegans and “conventional” dieters eat the same number of calories in a day, Vegans tend to lose 6lbs more than other dieters. This is because the caloric intake you consume as a Vegan is much healthier for your body. It allows your body to more efficiently process the foods you eat. This helps to boost your metabolism, which can help keep you energized and help your body burn off excess fats. Meats will stay in your system longer because they are hard for your body to digest. This can cause your gestational tract back up, and even fester. This can cause bloating and can be responsible for that little bit of tummy weight that just won’t budge.
3. Improved Kidneys
Unfortunately, this is a point of contention for many who don’t fully understand Veganism. While it’s easy to say that Veganism is bad for the kidneys because meat has protein, the truth is that Vegans consume plenty of protein through healthier, plant-based sources. Due to their plant-based diet, they limit their intake of acid-producing foods. This can help alleviate tough burdens on your kidneys, as well as give them time to recoup. Loading up of fruits and veggies can also help your kidneys heal more quickly, leading to improved kidney health and function. This is why some doctors have started recommending Vegan diets to kidney patients. However, if you have kidney problems, you should make sure that your doctor is aware of any dietary changes you’re planning on undertaking.
4. Lower Risk for Heart Disease
Veganism is pretty much your heart’s best friend. It helps to lower your risk of several heart disease risk factors – including halving your chance of diabetes, lowering your blood pressure, and reducing your risk for hypertension by a whopping 44%! This is compared not just to people who consume meat, but vegetarians, as well! Overall, Veganism is believed to reduce heart disease risks by at least a third! This makes it a great choice for those facing heart disease issues or with high risks of heart disease. Many studies have come out saying that Veganism can do more than just help to prevent heart disease – it can both halt and possibly reverse damages associated with current heart disease.
5. Decrease Arthritis
There are tons of health benefits for your joints when you choose a Vegan diet. There are many factors in why exactly Veganism helps to decrease arthritis. One reason is that it helps to cut out foods that compromise your gut’s permeability. Cutting meat out of your diet may also help to reduce joint inflammation. It can also help to reduce the chemicals your body produces that attack joints when wires are crossed and your body is imbalanced. Many people have praised going Vegan as the best way to reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with both arthritis and RA.
6. Reduced Saturated Fats
This is achieved by the simple fact that Vegan meals have little to no saturated fat. Fresh fruits and veggies and even light to moderately cooked plant-based meals tend to have virtually no saturated fat. There are very few exceptions, such as cocoa butter, palm oil, and coconuts. You’ll want to do your research on what types of plant-based products are high in saturated fats. But for the most part, this varied and delicious way of eating is pretty clear of saturated fats. When you reduce your saturated fat intake, you reduce the levels of saturated fats in your body. This can help your body in a multitude of ways, but especially one in particular. Which leads us to our #7!
7. Lower Cholesterol
You’ve probably heard that Vegans have great cholesterol. While it may seem like a stereotype, it’s actually true. Because cholesterol is purely a problem resulting from consuming meat and animal products, Vegan diets are completely cholesterol-free. That might sound a little scary if you’ve heard that a certain amount of cholesterol is vital for your cells. But don’t fret – your body is more than capable of making all the cholesterol we need when you feed your body the right kind of food. A Vegan diet allows for plenty of great foods that promote the healthy “self-production” of cholesterol within your body. So, is the Vegan lifestyle right for you? Only you and your doctor can decide that. But it can be a very healthy and helpful alternative to meat-based diets, and it definitely comes with a lot of colors, creativity, and health benefits.
