
Benefits Of A Vegan Diet
Introduction
What are the benefits of a vegan diet? There are numerous advantages of being a vegan. Being a vegan means that you don’t eat animal meat, fish, and other seafood, as well as any poultry, eggs, and other animal products. However, a vegan diet can also mean being a healthy vegetarian since most vegans eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and other starches.
Plant-Based Diet
It has been established that a plant-based diet is associated with a lower incidence of colorectal cancer. This is probably because plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants (beneficial bacteria found in some fruits and vegetables and may fight harmful free radicals in the body), which may lower the risk of developing this cancer. The benefits of this diet may also include a lower incidence of certain types of cancer. Vegetarians have also been shown to have a lower incidence of certain types of heart disease.
I often hear people say they just cannot possibly follow a vegan diet. If you want to, but don’t feel you can – visualize some amazing vegan dishes and manifest your thoughts until it is automatic. Switching to a plant-based diet is rewarding and fulfilling.
Vegan Lifestyle
The benefits of a vegan lifestyle can extend to children as well. Recent studies have shown that vegan children have better mental health and better cognitive function than non-vegan children. They tend to have higher self-esteem and are less depressed. They also have lower anxiety and tend to perform better in school. In adults, vegan diets seem to help lower the risk of osteoporosis and certain forms of cancer, although these findings remain controversial.
What about calcium?
Osteoporosis can cause fractures, which can lead to severe pain and illness. Vegan diets are exceptionally high in calcium because the body quickly absorbs calcium from dairy products, nuts, and other sources. Your doctor may recommend calcium supplements if you aren’t getting enough through your diet, but you may want to consider including some sesame seeds in your calcium intake. Studies have shown that sesame seeds absorb lots of calcium, helping to ensure that our bones stay strong and healthy. Similarly, calcium from other foods such as oysters, oranges, broccoli, and other leafy greens is beneficial.
Protein
Protein plays an essential part in how we build muscle and burn fat. It’s critical for overall body health and muscle building. However, many vegans also eat very little protein. That can lead to vitamin deficiencies, including the B vitamins, which are particularly important for individuals with milk or meat-based diet. While vegetarians need to eat a wide variety of whole grains, rice, beans, vegetables, nuts, and fruits, they may want to consider adding some whey protein to their diet as well.
Vitamin D
What about vitamin D and other antioxidants? Studies have shown that a plant-based diet is associated with lower incidences of common diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The reason is that plant-based foods contain more antioxidants than do animal-based foods. Therefore, including vitamin D in your vegan diet could have numerous health benefits for those who become vegan.
Not a Fad Diet
Last but not least, veganism is a way of life and not a fad diet. If you’re interested in becoming a vegetarian, there’s no reason to make a dramatic change right away, even if it means eating less red meat or choosing to substitute eggs or milk for your vegan treats. Becoming vegan is simply a solid move towards a healthier lifestyle that promotes overall good health, happiness, and well-being.
Conclusion
One of the most exciting benefits of veganism is the wealth of potential for discoveries. Since switching to a plant-based diet means reducing or eliminating all animal-derived products, the range of possible health benefits is practically limitless. The effects of not eating meat or being vegan are varied and long-lasting, and experts continue to find exciting new ways to benefit from plant-based diets. For example, while most people don’t consider vitamin D deficiency an issue, many low-income people do. Vitamin D is crucial to healthy bones and muscles, as well as general health and well-being. By eating a vegan diet, you can ensure you get the necessary vitamin D.
