To some, forgoing not only meat, but also dairy, eggs and other animal products may seem like an extreme measure. However, more and more people are doing just that, both for the personal and societal benefits, as well as the positive impact that switching to a vegan diet has on our physical well-being.
According to The Economist,one in four Americans aged between 25 and 34 say they are either vegetarian or vegan. The Vegan Society estimates that the number of vegans in the United Kingdom increased by 400% between 2006 and 2018.
In this guide, we will explore one of the main motivations for this shift, which is the compelling list of health benefits that come with going vegan. Let’s begin.
Lower Blood Pressure
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is known to increase the risk of developing problems such as diabetes and heart disease. It may also increase your likelihood of experiencing a stroke. What you eat has a major impact on your blood pressure, and several studies have indicated that a plant-based diet can keep it at a healthy level.
For example, a Journal of Hypertension study from 2016 found that meat eaters have a 34% higher risk of developing hypertension than vegetarians.
Heart Health
Excess consumption of saturated fats, which are found in meat, milk, butter and some cheeses, can contribute to heart issues. That’s why going vegan can help your ticker stay healthy. In 2019, the Journal of the American Heart Association reported that plant-based diets can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by 16%.
Keep in mind that what you eat after switching to a vegan diet is also important. Avoiding unhealthy plant-based foods like sugar and refined grains, while increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains will make all the difference.
When starting out, consider visiting restaurants that specialize in plant-based foods to get an idea of what a proper vegan diet contains. You can check out the vegan fast food Los Angeles locations for Native Foods, which is a popular option with an online menu to explore for ideas .
Weight Loss
Another reason people opt for vegan diets is to reach their weight loss goals. In one study by Diabetes Care, there was a substantial difference in the body mass index (BMI) of meat eaters and vegans/vegetarians, with the latter scoring 23.6 and the former scoring 28.8, which is classified as overweight by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
This makes sense given that plant-based diets tend to rule out most of the unhealthy foods that contribute to obesity, such as burgers, pizzas and other fast food.
Among the other known benefits of vegan diets are a reduced risk of diabetes and cancer, as well as lower inflammation. Plus, you’ll be playing your part in protecting the environment.
