Going Vegan: Untold Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet

The number of Americans who turned vegan has increased by 3000% in the last 15 years.

You Pack More Nutrients on a Plant-Based Diet

It's no secret that plant-based foods are nutrient-dense. When we center our plate on meat products, the vegetables are a side dish. As a result, we eat fewer vegetables and nourishing plant-based foods when we eat an omnivorous diet.

Our bodies thrive on the nutrients found in plants. When you eat vegan, you automatically eat more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other micronutrients. 

Numerous studies show that the more plants in your diet, the healthier you are. When you build your plate around vegetables, you eat optimal health. 

Just remember to eat a variety of whole plant foods. Many vegan foods are also heavily processed. You want to eat food as close to its original form as possible.

Going Vegan Can Help Reduce the Risk of Chronic Illness

Did you know that diet-related diseases are the USA's biggest killer? From heart disease to cancers and diabetes, these are all chronic illnesses that are preventable through maintaining a healthy weight and good nutrition.

If you eat a diet free from meat and dairy products, you will automatically eat less saturated fat and foods which promote cholesterol production in the body.

Eating fried foods, red meat, high salt and sugar foods, along with anything processed, is more likely to cause long-term health problems if consumed regularly. 

There is a lot of research to suggest that eating a diet high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and pulses can help reduce the risk of chronic illness. Just another of the many health benefits of vegan diets.

A Vegan Diet Can Help Promote Weight Loss

When you eat a vegan diet predominantly based on whole plant foods, you are more conscious of your nutrition. You need to plan your meals to make sure you feel nourished and full. If you make a plan about what to eat, you will be more mindful about not overeating.

Many vegan foods are naturally low in fat and calories, which means you can eat more and still lose weight on a vegan diet!

Watch out for store-bought alternatives such as vegan meats, cheeses, and yogurts, as they often have more calories than the real thing. 

When you start eating vegan, track your calories to make sure you stay within your daily goals. If you want to try a vegan diet for weight loss, you should speak with a doctor or professional nutritionist to establish the proper nutrients required for your lifestyle.

Veganism Can Improve Your Mood

The more plants you eat, the more nutrient-dense foods you consume. Foods rich in colors such as dark leafy greens, beets, and berries are rich in B vitamins, vitamin A, folate, and antioxidants.

These nutrient-rich foods, which are naturally part of a vegan diet, can help the body reduce cortisol levels and stress levels. You may notice you feel happier and more satisfied if you switch to a vegan diet.

If you eat more whole foods and less processed things, you will feel less sluggish and have more energy to do the things you love!

When you eat vegan, you can also have a clear conscious that you aren't causing any animal suffering. Eating mass-produced meat and dairy products can contribute to the mistreatment of animals and the destruction of the natural environment.

Did you know that if the world went vegan, the amount of land dedicated to agriculture would reduce by 75%?

You're More Conscious of Your Nutritional Needs on a Vegan Diet

As veganism is a less conventional way of eating, you may have concerns about getting your protein or your B vitamins.

Many people who follow a vegan diet are healthier than those who don't because they pay close attention to what they are eating. There are dozens of plant-based proteins that you can add to your diet for health, variety, and deliciousness.

Here are some examples of plant-based protein sources:

• Beans
• Lentils
• Nuts
• Chickpeas
• Soya
• Tempeh (has as much protein as chicken!)
• Quinoa
• Peas
• Edamame 

You should aim to get at least 0.8g of protein daily for every kilo you weigh.

Many people who follow a vegan diet also take supplements such as iron, omega 3, and B12. It's a little more challenging to get these from your food when removing animal products.

It's often thought that dairy products are rich in calcium, but this is not necessarily true. It is simply because these products are fortified.

You can buy many kinds of milk made from plants and vegan cereals fortified with calcium. Green vegetables such as broccoli are also calcium dense. You may also want to try a vegan supplement for bones.

Try the Vegan Diet Benefits for Yourself

Now you know all the benefits of going vegan, why not try it out? There are dozens of resources to help you learn about what you can eat on a vegan diet to stay healthy.

Maybe you don't want to go fully vegan straight away, but you can start by introducing one or two plant-based days into your week. That way, you'll get a feel for the benefits of eating less meat and more plans.

Get some inspiration for a healthy lifestyle from our online wellness education.