Benefits of a Vegan Diet: Is it a Healthier Lifestyle Option?
Veganism seems to be among the top food trends today. We’re here to tell you why this diet has become so mainstream. Remember, healthy eating and weight loss can look different for every single individual. Your body and its needs are unique to only you. Your perfect diet will not be the same as anyone else’s. If you’re goal is to prioritize your wellness and maintain a healthy weight, finding the right eating habits for you is definitely worth your time. We provide you with a closer look at the vegan diet and its health benefits, as well as the expected future of this popular diet.
What does a vegan diet look like?
Veganism is a philosophy which seeks to exclude all forms of cruelty to animals for food, clothing, or any other purposes. In dietary terms, veganism denotes the practice of using ingredients derived wholly or partially from animals or any products tested on animals. A vegan diet is solely based on plants and food made from plants. It is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products and their byproducts, avoiding such foods including meat, fish, shellfish, dairy, eggs, and honey.
There are many ways to embrace vegan living, but the biggest reason seems to be because of health concerns. This type of diet is generally considered to be higher in fiber and lower in cholesterol. When individuals follow it correctly, a vegan diet can aid in weight loss, be highly nutritious, and reduce the risk of diseases. While a vegan diet can provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, you must follow it carefully and plan out your meals to avoid certain deficiencies. Some key nutrients that vegans must focus on are iron, protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
3 reasons veganism is so popular
Veganism has become increasingly popular and the reasons for adopting this type of lifestyle vary. Many individuals convert to a vegan diet for ethical and environmental concerns, specifically exploitation of animals and its impact on climate change, deforestation, and scarce water resources. Going vegan can be an ethical and environmental consumer choice that makes all the difference.
Animal love
The decision to become a vegan can be a very personal one. Moral reasons can play a huge part in someone choosing to become a vegan. They believe in acting against unethical killing and usage of animals for human consumption.
Green is clean
Another reason for why people become vegan is concern for environmental issues. These individuals are focused on how much strain meat production and greenhouse gases are putting on the environment. The environmental impact of an omnivorous lifestyle can be a huge factor for those who are wanting to take on being vegan.
Health at the heart
The last reason, and arguably the most common, is the belief that this diet can offer a healthier lifestyle. Research suggests that going vegan can be a great opportunity to improve your diet and learn more about nutrition and cooking. Vegans eat food that nourishes their bodies, while also being sustainable for the planet.
Health benefits of a vegan diet
A highly anticipated perk of the vegan diet is a healthier lifestyle. Peta says going vegan can help you be “healthier and happier.” Leading health experts agree that going vegan is the single best way we can take care of ourselves and our health.
Good nutrition and weight loss
A whole food, vegan diet can provide you with good nutrition and may even help you lose a significant amount of weight. By going vegan, you reduce the number of high-calorie foods you consume and replace them with high-fiber alternatives that keep you fuller longer.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases
Much research has suggested that a vegan diet can help protect your body against chronic diseases. Vegans consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, which are all rich in antioxidants, fiber, and compounds that help protect against diabetes, hypertension, and some types of cancer.
Better heart health
Eating a nutritious, plant-based diet can prevent the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. Going vegan also eliminates possible risks associated with harmful animal fats and cholesterol, resulting in better heart health.
The future of veganism
Veganism has sparked an interest in more and more people each year. It’s very easy nowadays to find food options that cater to the lifestyle of a vegan. They have increased significantly in supermarkets and other food outlets, including non-dairy milk substitutes like soy or almond milk. Most restaurants now offer vegan options, so you no longer must hunt down hard-to-find places with limited options.
There are even entire establishments dedicated to catering to this lifestyle. You can almost guarantee that any place you eat will have some sort of vegan options available to you. Veganism is everywhere, and its rise in popularity doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. According to the Ipsos Retail Performance, “Since 2004, the number of Americans turning plant-based has reached 9.7 million people.”
It’s clear to see that veganism has created a significant effect on the food industry. Many people are choosing to become vegan for several beneficial reasons. But is adopting this lifestyle really a healthier option? Regarding health concerns and ecological issues, experts say yes! With no signs of slowing down, we predict that veganism will be a trendy topic for years to come.
If you want more tips on how to take care of your dietary health and wellness, check out our other blog posts.