Every year more and more people are making the decision to go vegan, and for good reason! There are so many amazing ways that veganism can improve our lives – fantastic health benefits, less stress on our environment, more efficient ways to use our resources, to name just a few!
A whole food, vegan diet can be one of the healthiest ways to live. Whole food, plant-based diets should contain plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds. Because vegan diets rely heavily on these healthy staples, they are higher in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and various other healthy promoting phytochemicals, and fiber. Healthy vegan diets are abundant in vitamins B1, C, and E, folic acid, magnesium, and iron while also being low in cholesterol and saturated fats.
Vegans are frequently thought of as fringe eaters who feel passionately about animal rights. While many vegans are enthusiastic about animal rights, the whole food, vegan diet and lifestyle support your health as much as they help the environment. Following a healthy, balanced whole food, vegan diet ensures a host of health benefits as well as prevention of some of the major diseases striking people in North America.
On such a diet, by eliminating dairy products and meat, you can improve your cardiovascular health. A British study indicates that a vegan diet reduces the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and stroke. Studies show that vegans are nine times less likely to be obese than meat-eaters, and that vegans are about 40 percent less likely to get cancer than nonvegans.
The list below suggests how a balanced whole food, vegan diet can impact the future of your health (Please seek the advice of a vegan friendly medical doctor if you suffer from any of the issues listed below as you transition toward a vegan diet) :
- Cholesterol: By eliminating food that comes from an animal, you will reduce your cholesterol and saturated fat intake. Your heart will thank you for that.
- Blood pressure: A wholesome diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables is beneficial to your health in several ways, including lowering high blood pressure.
- Type 2 diabetes: Not only is a vegan diet a weapon against Type 2 diabetes, but it is also easier to follow than the standard diet recommended by the American Diabetic Association.
- Prostate cancer: A major study suggests that men in the early stages of prostate cancer who switched to a vegan diet either stopped or reversed the progress of the cancer.
- Colon cancer: Eating a diet consisting of whole grains, along with fresh fruits and vegetables, greatly reduces your chances of colon cancer.
- Arthritis: Eliminating dairy consumption has long been connected with alleviating arthritis symptoms, but a new study indicates that a combination of a gluten-free and vegan diet is promising for improving the health of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
