11 Benefits Of A Vegan Diet

We constantly read how switching to a vegan diet is amazing, but not always the reasons why, therefore we decided to write up a comprehensive list of all the amazing benefits of switching to a vegan diet.

1) Reduced Risk Of Heart Disease

We constantly hear horror stories around the connection between red meat and heart disease and how we should give up the meat. Well it’s a lot more difficult to eat that quantity of saturated fat while on a vegan diet, which means most people that switch find they are less likely to suffer from heart related issues. Of course, it isn’t just the saturated fat that is to thank for this situation, the increase in fibre also goes a long way to help, along with the increased intake of antioxidants and phytonutrients.

2) Increased Energy

This one actually is a shock for most that make the change, with many thinking it would have the opposite effect. However, foods that are stacked full of sugar and processed fats can leave you feeling groggy and lethargic. On the other hand, when you replace animal meat with plant based foods packed full of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, you tend to feel more lively and zestful.

3) Lower Rate Of Obesity

You could highlight the fact that people on a vegan diet tend to be slimmer than people not on a vegan diet, but an argument against could be correlation doesn’t mean causation, so let’s look at the food intake. With a lower consumption of saturated fat and a higher intake of nutrient dense ingredients, you are undoubtedly going to have a higher chance of remaining slim. Of course, another ‘correlation doesn’t mean causation’ point is that if you have a greater sense of awareness around what you eat, then there tends to be a trend to people also looking after their bodies and their mental wellbeing.

4) Helping Animals

Probably the most popular reason for people switching to a vegan diet isn’t simply that you don’t want to consume animal meat, but that the way humans manage and farm animals is beyond disgusting. Even when people purchase organic or free range, the treatment they receive is often beyond what most can imagine. Animals aren’t on this planet to fill our plates, they are here to live their own lives. This is the easiest way to make a stand against animal cruelty.

5) Saving The Environment

Have a read on how bad dairy farming is for the environment and you will be shocked! From the water resources to the manure and fertilisers and the carbon emission, the entire industry relies on lobbying to protect its image and ensure more people don’t switch. In fact, many people don’t realise how much water is used in dairy farming, with One Green Planet highlighting the average dairy cow requires 4,954 gallons of water per day. However, there are many of great alternatives, such as the Sproud pea protein milk.

6) More Nutrients

Of course, this is only if you plan our your vegan diet properly and prepare great meals from scratch, but most people on a vegan diet consume a huge amount more nutrients. With several unhealthy items removed from your culinary list, you often have to replace them with nutrient dense alternatives. Of course, it is important to ensure you are still getting those nutrients you used to get from meat, such as Vitamin B12, Iron and essential fatty acids.

7) Improved Mood

I’ve already mentioned the improved energy most people have when switching, but there are also plenty of studies that highlight there is a lower level of depression in people on a vegan diet. You might want to read this article by the Physicians Committee on how eating plants can help fight the blues. So make sure to eat some walnuts and leafy green vegetables.

8) Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

The Western diet tends to be high in refined sugar, with many food items scoring high on the glycaemic index, which has also led to many people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Of course, it should be unsurprising that a vegan diet has been shown to be really positive for those suffering from or trying to avoid diabetes. One study showed that a vegan diet led to a 50-78% lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes.

9) More Toilet Trips

OK, this one might not seem as glamourous on the surface, but the change in diet should have you visiting the loo a little more often. The increase in fibre should help your intestines out, while if you’re looking for good examples of sources of insoluble fibre, then you might want to try broccoli, turnips, beans, avocados, sweet potatoes, pears or nectarines.

10) You May Suffer Less From Migraines

This isn’t an issue for everyone, but anyone that suffers from migraines will know how incredibly frustrating they are and how much they can prevent you from enjoying your day or carrying on with your work. While not always, most of the time a migraine is actually linked to your diet, with cheese and chocolate being key culprits, something that is still present in the vegetarian diet but is removed as you go vegan.

11) Potentially Lower Oestrogen

The main villain in many studies and reports, leading to plenty of issues and ailments, oestrogen is often increased through a high consumption of animal fats. It goes without saying that this is drastically improved on a diet which doesn’t allow anything from an animal.