There has been an increase in people following a vegan diet due to its many benefits. It can help you to lose weight and can also help you to maintain a healthy heart. A vegan diet has other benefits too which we will be going through in this article. A vegan diet involves consuming food that only comprises plants. Those who follow a vegan diet will avoid any animal products including meat, dairy and eggs. Some people follow a vegan lifestyle for dietary choices and others just prefer the lifestyle.
A vegan diet is nutrient-rich
A vegan diet will provide you with a proportionate amount of nutrients if you follow a healthy balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, pulses and seeds. Due to a vegan diet being mostly composed of these whole foods, it is natural that you will have more nutrients than a typical western diet. A recent study has shown that someone who consumes a vegan diet will have higher levels of fibre, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A, C and E.
If one doesn’t follow a balanced diet, then you will be deficient in a range of different nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, iodine and selenium. It is also a good idea to consume vitamin D tablets, especially in the winter when you don’t get as much sun. If one does fall low on these, it is recommended to have a vitamin B complex as this will cover your B12, niacin and riboflavin.
It can help you lose excess weight
There have been some amazing results for people who have wanted to lose weight with a vegan diet and is becoming extremely popular for this reason. It is thought that those who follow a vegan diet tend to be thinner and have a lower BMI. Studies show that a vegan diet will help you to lose weight more than any other diet so it is worth giving it a try if you are wanting to lose weight.
A vegan diet can reduce the effects of arthritis
There are some studies that show that a vegan diet has positive outcomes for those who suffer from certain types of arthritis. This study comprised 40 random individuals with arthritis and has them either continue with their omnivorous diet or swap to a plant-based vegan diet for 6 weeks. The results showed that those on a vegan diet had more energy and better general functioning. Other studies suggest a vegan diet can improve symptoms from rheumatoid arthritis including swelling, pain and stiffness.
Lowers risk of type 2 diabetes
With all that is known about a vegan diet, it is not hard to believe that it reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. This is due to one consuming plant-based diets will reduce their sugar levels and will be eating more whole foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes.
A vegan diet has many benefits and is becoming increasingly popular with younger generations. It not only helps our body but the planet as well so good look if you are going to take a break from an omnivorous diet and swap to a vegan diet.