Vegetarian World
VEGANISM
13 AMAZING BENEFITS OF BEING VEGAN
Vegan diets are known and sought after for helping people lose weight. But, they also offer a number of additional health benefits. Eating a vegan diet can not only help you maintain a healthy heart, it can offer some protection against type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
But what is veganism?
Veganism refers to not using products derived from animals or tested on animals.
However, being vegan encompasses much more than food choices!
Below we list 13 scientifically proven benefits of maintaining a vegan diet.
1. It is richer in several nutrients
If you switch to a strict vegan or vegetarian diet, then youwill eliminate meat and animal products such as milk, eggs, honey and derivatives.This will inevitably lead you to rely more on other foods. In the case of a complete vegan diet,Substitutions take the form of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, nuts and seeds.
Since these foods are in a greater proportion in vegan meals than in non-vegan people, they can contribute to aincreased daily intake of several beneficial nutrients.
For example, several studies have reported that vegan diets tend to providemore fiber, antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. They also appear to be richer in potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E (1, 2, 3, 4).
However, not all vegan diets are created equal.
For example,poorly planned vegan diets can provide insufficient amounts of essential fatty acids, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, iodine, or zinc (5).
That's why it's important to stay away from the nutritious options of poor, fast food and junk food vegans. Instead, base your diet around nutrient-dense whole plants and fortified foods.
==>> Also consider supplements like vitamin B12.
2 – Control Obesity
A vegan diet helps fight obesity in all age groups.A comparative study done on various diet groups proved that theVegans have the lowest body mass index and are less prone to obesity compared to meat, fish, and vegetarians.The reason behind this significantly reduced weight gain in vegans can be attributed to the higher fiber intake and lower animal protein intake.
3 – Treats Bronchitis and Asthma
Studies conducted to investigatethe effectiveness of a vegan diet in the treatment of asthmatic bronchitis showed promising results.According to research, study subjects confirmed a reduction in asthma symptoms andthey were even able to eradicate or reduce the need for asthma medications.
4 – Prevents cancer
According to the World Health Organization, about a third of all cancers can be prevented by factors that are within our control, including diet.Research studies have shown that a vegan diet aids in the prevention of various types of cancer such as colon, lung, esophageal, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer.
According to research,Vegan proteins have a high concentration of non-essential amino acids.Research also suggests that eating at leastseven servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day can reduce your risk of dying from cancer by up to 15%.
These dietary proteins, along with an increased intake of phytochemicals, favor insulin and glucagon activity, thus helping to reduce elevated lipid levels and inhibiting the development of cancer.
Vegans generally eat considerably more vegetables, fruits and vegetables than non-vegans. This may explain why vegans may benefit from a 15% lower risk of developing or dying from cancer.
5 – Improves Cardiovascular Health
Vegans have reasonablylower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, along with healthy blood lipid levels and a good body mass index.All these factors lead to significantly better cardiovascular health.
The richness of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fiber present in fruits and vegetables, which make up a significant part of a vegan diet, aid in reduced incidences of stroke and ischemic heart disorder.
6 - Anti-Aging Properties
A low-fat vegan diet can help slow the human aging process.The activity of IGF-1, also known as insulin-like growth factor, plays an important role in regulating the aging process.
A vegan diet along with other health measures, such as exercise, high fiber intake, and a low fat intake, can help to deregulate IGF-1 activity, and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
7 – Reduces Hypertension
Studies have shown that adopting a vegan diet has shownbeneficial effects on cholesterol levels and blood pressure, as compared to non-vegans.People who switch to a vegan diet are even able to reduce or eliminate the need for regular medication for such ailments.
8 – Controls Diabetes and lowers blood sugar level
A vegan diet consists of plant-derived foods that are naturallyrich in complex carbohydrates and low in fat. These two factors reasonably contribute to controlling diabetes, type 2 diabetes and decreased kidney function.
In fact, vegans tend to have lower blood sugar levels, greater insulin sensitivity, and even a 50-78% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes – it may even help reduce the need for insulin, which is required by those patients who are insulin dependent.
Studies even report that vegan diets lower blood sugar levels in diabetics more than diets suggested by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Heart Association (AHA) and National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) ).
In one study, 43% of participants who followed a vegan diet were able to reduce their dosage of blood sugar lowering medication, compared to just 26% in the group who followed an ADA-recommended diet.
9 – Keeps Bones Healthy
Essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin K contribute significantly to bone health.All of these nutrients, along with soy benefits, can be found in a vegan diet. A vegan diet helps maintain the acid-base ratio, which is also a significant factor in bone health. An acidic diet encourages calcium loss during urination.
10 – Treats Parkinson’s Disease
Research studies evaluating the effectiveness of a vegan diet in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's have shown promising results.]
According to studies, meat-based diets packed with cholesterol and fat increase the risk of Parkinson's disease as compared to plant-based fats, which do not emit any such threat. A vegan diet has been determined to offer a protective effect against Parkinson's disease and is also helpful in supporting vascular health.
11 – Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis
A vegan diet has been proven to beeffective for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, due to the presence of a good amount of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids.Research leading to examining the effects of a vegan diet has shown the induction of natural antibodies, which have anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective effects.
These beneficial effects help in reducing low density lipoprotein, LDL, and oxidized LDL levels, which is favorable for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, while also helping to keep an eye on their heart health.
12 – Reduces Homocysteine Levels
Homocysteine is an amino acid present in blood plasma that is related to the emergence of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, coronary heart disease or heart attack, for example, as its high levels can cause changes in blood vessels.Scientific research has supported the fact that consumption of a vegan diet, along with other health parameters such as exercise and the banning of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, helps in reducing homocysteine levels in the blood.
13 - Improves General Health
Vegan food helps to keep a check on common body ailments that usually don't leave a person feeling relaxed and healthy.The inclusion of vegan foods like tofu enhances the body's ability to deal with stress.
All these benefits improve overall health and reduce the need for medication for such ailments. Veganism also helps reduce the likelihood of needing certain surgeries like angioplasty, open-heart surgery, and cancer treatment.
References:
11 Amazing Benefits Of Being Vegan
Science-Based Health Benefits of Eating Vegan
Text taken from the website: http://frutaeraiz.com.br/blog/category/arte/
