More people are adopting a plant-based or vegan diet every day.
According to a 2019 story in The Economist, 25% of Americans aged 25 to 34 are vegans or vegetarians. According to the food-focused website Chef’s Pencil, interest in veganism will reach an all-time high in 2020.
For some, avoiding dairy, meat, and other animal products may be a great sacrifice. Others see a vegan diet’s personal and societal benefits as a no-brainer; for example, many people are passionately concerned about animal welfare. Many people are motivated to change because of the possible health benefits.
But is a vegan diet truly healthy?
When done correctly, there are health benefits.
Encourage weight loss
Lower your cholesterol levels to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Reduce your risk of developing some types of cancer, such as colon cancer.
A plant-based diet can manage diabetes by reducing A1C levels.
1. Eating vegan can assist you in losing excess weight
In order to lose weight, an increasing number of people are turning to plant-based diets. While there is no guarantee that a vegan diet will result in weight loss, there are some compelling reasons to give it a shot.
2. A vegan diet has been related to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, and fiber has been related to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Vegan diets that are well-planned typically include all of these things in greater quantities than the normal Western diet.
Observational studies comparing vegans to vegetarians and non-vegetarians show that vegans have a 75% decreased risk of having high blood pressure.
3. Going vegan may protect against some types of cancer
According to the World Health Organization, at least one-third of all malignancies can be avoided through lifestyle changes such as diet.
4. A vegan diet appears to reduce blood glucose levels
A vegan diet may also help people with type 2 diabetes.
Indeed, vegans have lower blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity, and they may be less likely to acquire type 2 diabetes.