posted September 27, 2022
Restaurants and fast-food locations catering to plant-based diets are popping up all over the country. Athletes, influencers, and celebrities are also going public about switching to a vegan lifestyle.
Is vegan eating just another fad, or can it help your health and wellness?
Here are some research-backed opinions on how the vegan lifestyle can help your overall wellness. Whether you’ve already made the choice to go vegan or you’re still on the fence about it, I hope you’ll come away with a fresh perspective on vegans and plant-based eating.
Let’s dive in!
Can Going Vegan Improve Your Overall Health?
When most people think of going vegan, they think the diet is all about eating fruits, veggies, and other plant-based foods. For most, this seems incredibly healthy. However, there are some other considerations to keep in mind.
For one, not all vegan food is healthy. There are many highly-processed vegan foods that should only be consumed in moderation.
Secondly, it can take several weeks to adapt to your new vegan diet. Some first-time vegans may feel sleepy, have irregular bowel movements, or experience headaches and other body aches. Once your body has adapted to the new diet, though, these symptoms should go away. Not all first-time vegans experience these symptoms either, so it shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Aside from those considerations, though, a clean, healthy vegan diet that consists mainly of whole foods can be incredibly healthy for you!
Plant-Based Foods and Heart Health: What the Research Says
A growing number of doctors expound on the health benefits of a plant-based diet. For instance, this study by the American Heart Association shows conclusive evidence that plant-based diets are associated with reduced risk of heart disease and overall mortality.
One of the main causes of heart disease is a buildup of cholesterol and fat in the arteries. Red meat and processed meats like sausage are high-cholesterol foods that can contribute to heart disease. By swapping them out for healthy, plant-based proteins, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other coronary diseases.
Do Vegans Need to Take Supplements?
Eating excessive amounts of meat is linked to heart disease and illness. After switching to a plant-based diet, many vegans supplement with trace minerals supplements.
Alternatively, there are also other plant-based “superfoods” that you can consume to make sure that your body is getting all of the minerals and proteins that it needs.
Can Going Vegan Help You Lose Weight?
Going vegan can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease. However, a growing number of dieticians are also recommending plant-based diets for weight loss.
For instance, the raw vegan diet (which consists only of raw, uncooked plant-based foods) can be a very effective short-term diet for weight loss. Check out this post to see some of the estimated raw food diet weight loss for one month.
Conclusion
As long as you’re eating a healthy plant-based diet and to avoid processed foods, going vegan can improve your overall heart health and may even be able to help you lose weight. Plus, going vegan is a great way to support the planet, decrease your carbon footprint, and support animals.
Emma Wilson is a health and wellness coach. For the past decade, she has helped people from around the world adopt a healthier lifestyle. She’s the creator of Vegan Calm and is passionate about food and travel.