Switching to a vegan diet can significantly change the kind of food you eat, but those who make the transition often find that it becomes quite easy to follow once they understand what foods they can and can’t consume.
So, why do people decide to go vegan in the first place? One major reason is the health benefits. Many people are surprised to see ailments like asthma, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and hay fever dramatically improve or even disappear after adopting a vegan lifestyle.
Energy Levels
People who go vegan often experience a noticeable boost in their energy levels. Contrary to what some might believe, many find they have more energy than ever before.
Saturated Fat
Animal products like red meat, milk, and eggs contain high levels of saturated fat, which is a key contributor to heart disease and obesity. By removing these foods from their diet, vegans cut out a significant amount of saturated fat.
Fiber
A vegan diet typically includes more fruits and vegetables than a non-vegan diet, which means higher fiber intake. This is crucial for bowel health, helps prevent bowel cancer, and makes the body more efficient at eliminating waste and toxins.
Nuts
To get essential fats and protein, vegans often consume more nuts. Numerous studies have shown that nuts offer substantial health benefits. When nuts replace red meat and dairy in the diet, the risk of cardiovascular disease is significantly reduced.
Weight Loss
Many vegans notice weight loss due to their diet. Being overweight is a leading cause of health issues in the Western world. Vegans often maintain a healthier weight, which corresponds with overall better health.
Reduced Cholesterol
Cholesterol is found in animal products, so eliminating these from your diet means you cut out cholesterol entirely. This reduces the risk of heart disease.
Iron
Iron is essential for the body, and while many believe it’s primarily obtained from red meat, it’s also abundant in beans and green vegetables. Dairy can inhibit iron absorption, so by cutting out dairy, vegans may actually improve their iron levels.
Clearly, there are numerous health benefits to adopting a vegan diet, and many people who try it even for a short time find themselves committed for life.