The Top 13 Benefits of a Vegan Diet

Over nine million people have embraced the vegan lifestyle, and that is just in the US. Many adopt this meat-free, plant-based diet to help the environment without knowing its scientifically-proven advantages for their health. If you’re considering going vegan, here are 13 of the top benefits of a vegan diet to help you decide. 

1. Weight Loss

One of the most prominent benefits of being vegan is losing weight. If your goal is to shed off excess weight, this diet can help you because vegan recipes include lots of vegetables, fruits, and legumes. These foods contain higher water and fiber content than animal products. Hence they are more filling while being less dense in calories. Studies show that vegans can lose twice the amount of weight in six months compared to omnivorous people. 

2. Lower Blood Pressure

Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and minerals such as potassium. These components can reduce high blood pressure, contributing to the second benefit of a vegan diet. Studies show a 75% lower risk of hypertension in vegans and blood pressure improvements due to lower systolic and diastolic pressures. 

3. Reduced Inflammation

Excess internal inflammation from lack of exercise and a bad diet can lead to chronic health diseases. Meanwhile, regulating inflammatory responses is one of the benefits of being vegan. The nutrients found in vegetables and fruits have anti-inflammatory properties that can keep you healthy. By simply replacing unhealthy fats with natural coconut oil and limiting your intake of added sugars, you can help regulate inflammation in your body. 

4. Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

One of the other benefits of a vegan diet is that it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Studies show that those consuming more meat and poultry have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, plant-based diets can help prevent and even reverse this disease. This effect is due to the high fiber content of vegetables and the low carbohydrate content of legumes. 

5. Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Animal products are loaded with long-chain saturated fats and cholesterol, and can lead to heart problems. On the other hand, plant-based foods have a powerful combination of fiber, healthy fats, and zero dietary cholesterol. These components can keep cardiovascular diseases at bay, rendering vegan diets one of their other benefits. It’s also crucial to avoid processed foods and added sugars to stay healthy. Instead, try dried fruit for a sweet and healthy snack. 

6. Lower Risk of Cognitive Impairment

One of the lesser-known benefits of being vegan is its correlation with a lower risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment. Research shows that including more fruits and vegetables in your diet can reduce your chances of developing these mental health disorders. The key is in the beneficial nutrients of these products, such as antioxidants and vitamins. 

7. Improved Digestive Health

One of the most positive benefits of following a vegan diet is promoting beneficial gut bacteria and improving digestive health. These bacteria can help digestion, prevent constipation, lead to healthier bowel movements, control your appetite, and even produce some essential vitamins. Plant-based diets can help these bacteria thrive and keep your digestive system healthy.

8. Can Protection Against Some Cancers  

Vegan diets are high in vegetables that contain disease-fighting phytonutrients and antioxidants. These substances can prevent oxidative damage inside the body and inhibit tumor growth, hence protecting against gastrointestinal, colorectal, and many other types of cancers. Studies also show that nut consumption can reduce the risks of cancer. You can take advantage of this benefit of vegan diets by adding some organic cashews and organic almonds to your food. 

9. Reduced Pain From Arthritis 

One of the benefits of being vegan is the lower chance of experiencing pain for people living with inflammatory arthritis. Research shows that eating red meat increases the risk of developing inflammatory arthritis, while vegan diets have anti-inflammatory potential. A study published in 2015 explored the effects of veganism on osteoarthritis. Researchers found that those on a whole-food, plant-based diet experience much lower pain compared to others. 

10. Improved Mood and Lower Stress

Mood improvement is one of the benefits of a vegan diet. Non-vegan diets contain a high level of arachidonic acid which can increase depression. Vegan diets, on the other hand, have a lower level of this compound. Plus, they have other mood-boosting components, such as seeds. You can find high-quality organic chia seeds and raw sunflower seeds to add to your vegan meals.

11. Reduced Migraines

If you suffer from regular migraines, you know how they can ruin your day. These headaches are sometimes triggered by certain foods such as cheese, and a dietary change can reduce their frequency. Studies show that one of the benefits of a vegan diet is its ability to decrease migraines by limiting the consumption of trigger foods. Some studies suggest that plant-based diets can also regulate a female hormone that causes migraines. 

12. More Nutrients

One of the top benefits of being vegan is that you can receive a plethora of vital nutrients through unprocessed fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. You usually don’t receive a sufficient volume of these nutrients on a meat-based diet. 

But one serious issue to look out for with a vegan diet is the deficiency of vitamin B-12. Many people who follow a strict vegan diet that contains no eggs, meat, dairy, or fish, have severe vitamin B-12 deficiencies that can lead to anemia and nervous system damage. The good news is that vegans can consume vitamin B-12 through fortified foods and supplements. 

A vegan diet, however, is full of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, folate, magnesium, potassium, and more. Studies show that consuming these nutrients through a low-fat vegan diet can protect your body against chronic illnesses. 

13. Environmental Impact

Finally, we get to one of the most notable benefits of a vegan diet, its positive impact on the environment. If you want to take part in saving the planet, studies suggest that switching to a plant-based diet is the best way you can do so. Producing animal-based products takes more resources, not to mention the significant carbon footprint it leaves and the unethical practices that some producers adopt. Following a diet of plants and grains can reduce these global pressures and keep the earth safe for future generations. 

Start Your Veganism on the Right Foot

With a bit of planning and effort, you can easily switch to a vegan diet and take advantage of its numerous benefits. You may need to talk to a dietician and take supplements to minimize nutritional deficiency. When you’re ready, you can choose from our variety of vegan products and embark on this new health journey. The premium products of Wildly Organic are non-GMO and can help you start your veganism on the right foot. So head to our shop to reap the benefits of being vegan and enjoy free shipping on +$49 orders