Recently, millions of people have started adopting a vegan diet, and because of it, it has gained a great amount of traction from others who want to transition to a plant-based lifestyle. Their reasons can range from ethical concerns to environmental awareness. But the main factor of why many individuals decide to go vegan is because of its potential health benefits.Â
When is the best time to go vegan? People have said that the best time to go vegan is in January; however, Lord Ping has an opinion about that.Â
The Benefits
 1. Improved Heart Health
If you go vegan, one of its benefits that is widely known is related to cardiovascular health. There have been studies that vegans commonly have lower cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, and a decreased risk of heart disease in comparison to the people who eat animal products.Â
The main reason for this benefit is the reduced intake of saturated fats, and these are usually found in animal products like red meat, dairy, and processed foods. Whereas a plant-based diet has healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats, which can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. The healthy fats in this plant-based diet can help improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation, which prevents heart diseases.Â
Being a vegan can also help with weight loss, which contributes to having a better heart condition.
2. Weight Management and Reduced Risk of Obesity
Weight management and reducing the risk of obesity are two of the benefits people can get from becoming vegan. This is because plant-based diets are lower in calories and higher in fiber, which makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Where can fiber be found? It’s found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. By taking in fiber, this helps make you full longer, reduces your overall intake of calories, and holds you back from eating unhealthy snacks. Vegetables are filled with antioxidants, which can help manage metabolism and encourage fat burning.
3. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
As mentioned before, going for a vegan diet is rich in vitamins that are necessary for us to have, minerals, and antioxidants. All of these are important in avoiding a wide variety of chronic diseases, such as:
- Type 2 Diabetes: Unhealthy fats and refined sugars are naturally omitted from vegan diets. As mentioned previously, they include a lot of fiber, which improves insulin sensitivity and helps control blood sugar levels. It’s been said that vegans have a 50% lower risk of having this disease as opposed to people who eat animal products.
- Cancer: Antioxidants and phytochemicals are frequently found in vegan diets, especially if one consumes a lot of fruits and vegetables. It has been proven that these compounds lower the chances of developing colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers, among other cancers. This preventive measure is facilitated by a limited consumption of processed meat, which the World Health Organization considers carcinogenic, and a high consumption of fiber.
- Hypertension: Because vegans have lower blood pressure as opposed to non-vegans, this is due to the fact that the food they intake has high potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These are nutrients that help the person have a regular blood pressure. By transitioning to this type of diet, it can greatly lessen the risk of hypertension, stroke, and kidney disease.
4. Better Digestion and Gut Health
Going vegan doesn’t only reduce risks of chronic diseases; it also provides better digestion and a healthy gut. The fiber in plant-based foods acts as a prebiotic, which nourishes the good bacteria in the gut. This helps support a balanced microbiome to lessen the risk of digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Because vegan diets are low in processed foods and refined sugars, they won’t damage the gut.
Additionally, eating water-rich vegetables and fruits keeps the gut hydrated, which is needed for digestive health overall.
5. Improved Skin Health
Those who have switched to a vegan diet have said that their skin and complexion are healthier. This is because the food they eat is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Eating them reduces acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. What type of food do they eat that has these benefits? They are commonly found in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are also known to protect the skin cells from oxidative damage, encourage collagen production, and improve the skin’s elasticity.
A known trigger for acne and inflammation is dairy products. Meanwhile, in vegan diets, they eliminate the intake of dairy products, help in regulating hormone levels, prevent acne breakouts, and improve overall skin clarity.
6. Enhanced Longevity
There have been reports that those who are doing the vegan diet are expected to live longer because the diet can also prevent diseases that are related to aging. They are expected to live 7 years longer on average.Â
The other health benefits from this diet also contribute to having a longer and healthier life.
7. Ethical and Environmental Benefits
Beyond the health benefits of going vegan, it also reduces the reliance on animal agriculture, which is the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and destruction of habitat. Those who go into this type of diet can greatly lessen their carbon footprint and contribute to a more green planet.
Additionally, being vegan also aligns with ethical considerations about animal welfare. This means the individual is avoiding animal products fully to lessen the animal suffering and exploitation.
In conclusion, going vegan has a lot of health benefits for the individual that can help them live longer and help the animals and their homes; however, it is still up to them if they want to push through with the transition.
