Many people are shifting to vegan diet, assuming that it is healthier than vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. Vegan diet which includes vegan dry food and wet varieties is a plant based diet that shuns meat and dairy. Animal welfare, religious ideas, health concern and environmental issues can be reasons for people shifting to this type of diet.
The diet has many advantages which include:
- Rich in certain nutrients: A vegan diet includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, nuts and seeds, is available as vegan frozen food or can be made from scratch. These food products are rich in few beneficial nutrients which is absent in other diets. These diets are generally rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamins. You should take care that your diet will include vitamin B12, iron, calcium and zinc, which are generally ignored.
- Aids in losing weight: Studies have shown that vegans tend to be thinner and have lower BMI than non-vegans. This diet is also suggested as it burns more calories than any other weight-loss diet plans because vegan diet has a natural tendency to reduce calorie intake.
- Healthy diet: If you shift to vegan diet, your body will enjoy multiple health benefits. Few of them are
- Lowers blood sugar: Vegans tend to have lower blood sugar levels and higher insulin sensitivity. Opting for this diet can keep you away from type 2 diabetes.
- Improves kidney functions: Plant protein present in vegan diet reduces the risk of kidney function.
- Can protect against certain types of cancer: Eating legumes, fruits and vegetables reduces chances of cancer by fifteen percent. Avoiding certain products would help you to stay away from prostrate, breast and colon cancers.
- Lowers risk of heart disease: Having vegan diet is beneficial to heart as the diet reduces high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugars than cause a risk of heart disease.
Though vegan diet is healthy option, it should be designed by experts so that all nutrients required by your body are present in it. You should start the diet only after consulting your doctor.
