World Vegan Day, celebrated globally on November 1, is dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of veganism not only on an individual's health and lifestyle but also on the environment. So, what are the health benefits of a vegan diet? Let's find out.
What are the health benefits of a vegan diet?
A vegan diet is all about plant-based foods. A well-balanced vegan diet with various vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds offers several health benefits -
Reduces risk of heart disease:
As the fat from vegetables and nuts contains less bad cholesterol compared to fat from animal products, a vegan diet reduces the risk of cardiac disease and heart attacks. According to a research study on Healthline, vegan food lowers the risk of heart diseases by about 46%.Helps in weight management:
People following a vegan diet have a lower body mass index (BMI), higher metabolism, and tend to stay fit and slim. The reason is vegan foods contain less saturated fats and calories than animal-based foods. So, it's easier for vegans to maintain a healthy body weight.Boosts immunity:
Vegan foods are more nutritious because they contain more vitamins, fibre, minerals, antioxidants, and unprocessed foods. Following a vegan diet boosts immunity and helps to fight infections and diseases.May prevent certain cancers:
According to a systematic review of observational studies on a vegetarian, vegan diet and multiple health outcomes on PubMed, consuming more plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes may lower the risk of developing cancers by 15%. For instance, having legumes regularly may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, and including more soy products in your diet may prevent breast cancer. Meat, particularly red meat, has been proven to cause certain types of cancers.Lower risk of diabetes-related complications:
If you follow a vegan diet, your blood sugar levels may be lower and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes also may be low compared to non-vegans. Consuming plant-based foods may lower the risk of diabetes by 78%. Those with diabetes are also less likely to develop complications related to the disease, such as obesity, kidney issues, and neuropathy.Helps reduce inflammation:
As vegan goods are rich in antioxidants, they may help reduce symptoms of arthritis like inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Conclusion
Going vegan benefits not only our health and lifestyle but also the environment, and consuming this diet may reduce the risk of falling sick. However, medical emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. Hence, having a comprehensive health insurance policy will protect you financially against ever-rising medical expenses.