Odds are you have been hearing quite a bit about vegan diets recently. A large part of that is probably due to many people turning their concerns to the environment. But there’s more to it than just that – a vegan diet is also great for your health! Adopting such a lifestyle can provide you with a whole host of benefits. This article includes a list of some of the interesting health effects of a vegan diet to help teach you a little more!
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The Well-Known Benefits Of Going Vegan
The well-known benefits are an excellent place to start if you need to learn more about veganism. Studies have found that veganism can improve energy levels, reduce chances of developing life-threatening illnesses and even promote mental clarity and happiness. Following a vegan diet also eliminates many unhealthy foods, replacing them with nutritious alternatives that provide essential minerals and vitamins. Eating these nutrient-rich options results in fewer cravings for junk food, more regular digestion, and increased physical strength.
Furthermore, eliminating meat from your diet reduces your carbon footprint by cutting the emissions created by factory-farmed animals, which would otherwise contribute to global warming. A vegan diet can help you live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
Eating vegan is not just a dietary choice; it can also significantly impact your overall health and even reduce your risk of certain cancers. For example, research has found that a vegan diet could help protect against cancer thanks to its lack of animal products. In addition, plant-based foods contain naturally-occurring antioxidants, vitamins, phytochemicals, and fiber which contribute to lower levels of inflammation in the body—a significant factor in the development of certain types of cancer.
Furthermore, vegans consume fewer calories than those who eat meat and dairy, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight—which itself is associated with reduced chances of developing tumors. In short, opting for a vegan lifestyle means your body is receiving essential nutrients that may help protect it from cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.
Help Maintain Cognitive Function
When eating healthy, most people think about its effects on their bodies, but did you know that a vegan diet can also help support cognitive health? Studies have found that following a plant-based diet is linked to improved brain function, including better memory and reduced rates of dementia. This may be because eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants nourish the brain and increase blood flow while reducing inflammation in the brain.
The high fiber content of many vegan foods can also help keep the digestive tract healthy, which helps support cognitive function by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow. So for those worried about age-related declines in brain health, a vegan diet may be the way to go!
Improve Menstrual Symptoms
Eating a vegan diet also has the potential to offer dramatic improvements in women’s menstrual health. One significant benefit is that it can improve the severity of menstrual cramping and reduce heavy flow, which are common experiences for many menstruators. A big reason for this is that many plant-based foods help increase the body’s levels of beneficial hormones, such as progesterone, which can help relieve period pain and cramping. Studies have also shown that increasing fiber intake from whole-grain carbohydrates, legumes, and vegetables can improve menstrual irregularities.
In addition, eating a vegan diet might also help to reduce uncomfortable PMS symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, acne, and bloating. And by reducing your consumption of processed foods and opting for nutrient-rich plant-based sources, you can help your body better manage the monthly fluctuations in hormones that lead to these symptoms.
Get Better Quality Sleep
Nowadays, getting quality sleep can sometimes seem impossible – no matter how hard you try and wind down in the evenings. Fortunately, changing your diet to a vegan one could prove to be beneficial for encouraging better sleeping patterns. Research has discovered that those on a plant-based diet can fall asleep faster than their non-vegan counterparts since switching to this type of nutrition often helps balance hormones related to energy and sleep.
Going vegan also means that you naturally avoid stimulants and additives found in animal products which can disturb sleeping cycles profoundly. Moreover, vegan food is rich in vitamin B6, which encourages the production of serotonin – meaning an overall feeling of contentment throughout the day, leading to improved relaxation at night when it comes time for some shut-eye!
Reduce The Risk Of UTIs
Surprisingly enough, there are many ways a vegan diet can help reduce your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Because plant-based foods are naturally low in saturated and trans fats, they can help promote better kidney health, which reduces the risk of UTIs. Plant proteins also tend to contain more essential vitamins and minerals than animal proteins which can help support healthy bladder function and reduce inflammation.
And by eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, you are providing plenty of antioxidants that act as natural antibiotics to fortify the body’s defense against bacteria. Plus, consuming plenty of water helps flush out toxins from the body that could lead to infection. So if you’re looking for ways to reduce your risk for UTIs, a vegan diet may be the solution you’re looking for.
Reduce Arthritis Symptoms
The last health effect worth mentioning here is the ability of a vegan diet to reduce arthritis symptoms. With roughly 50 million people in the US suffering from this condition, it’s no wonder that many are seeking natural remedies to help relieve their symptoms. And research has shown that switching to a plant-based diet can significantly reduce inflammation and improve joint health. One of the many reasons for this is that the nutrients found in plant-based foods, such as vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids, reduce swelling around joints, making your movement more comfortable.
Another benefit this diet can provide is a reduction in the production of uric acid in the body, which can worsen arthritis symptoms. This is because animal proteins tend to cause more inflammation than plant-based proteins, and an increase in uric acid can make it worse. So if you have been diagnosed with arthritis and are looking for ways to ease your symptoms, consider switching to a vegan diet today!
Consider The Many Health Effects Of A Vegan Diet!
As you just learned, eating a vegan diet has many different health effects. And while some may not experience all of these benefits, it is clear that this type of food can positively impact your overall health. Whether you want to improve your sleep, reduce arthritis symptoms, or experience many other effects, going vegan could be the diet you’ve been looking for. So if you are ready to make some significant changes and start reaping the many benefits of a vegan diet, consider giving it a try today!
