Exploring the vegan lifestyle is a decision that a significant number of people have made recently. This journey that is considered more healthy and beneficial has a lot of nuances. For animal meat and products lovers, it would involve them making a considerable amount of sacrifices. For others, it is easier to let go of some dishes due to the benefits they know comes with this lifestyle. Reasons for becoming plant-based are diverse, whether you are an animal lover, an environmentalist, or want to live your best life. Being plant-based is the one unifying theme that appears to be compelling to so many people.
People who prefer to live a vegan lifestyle may also refrain from wearing or using clothing, soaps, and other items made of or containing animal products, such as leather and fur. Some people adopt this way of life as a sustainable diet because it’s good for the environment.
The health benefits of a plant-based diet are innumerable. It can be beneficial for those trying to lose weight. Consuming vegan food may also keep your heart healthy. Additionally, this diet might provide some defence against type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
Read on to discover reasons why a plant-based diet is the better option for you and the environment.
What are the Nutrients You Get From a Plant-based Diet?
The Standard American Diet (SAD), often referred to as the Western Pattern Diet (WPD), is a contemporary diet that mostly consists of high amounts of processed foods, red meat, high-fat dairy products, high-sugar meals, and pre-packaged foods, all of which raise the risk of chronic illness. A recent study suggests that consuming a western diet may be impairing brain function.
Transitioning from a western pattern diet to a plant-based diet means you will give up meat and other animal products.
Your meal consumption will change to other foods as a result. The following are examples of alternatives for a plant-based diet: grains, fruits, veggies, and beans,
peas, nuts, seeds, tofu, and mushrooms.
These foods can result in a higher daily intake of several advantageous nutrients because they make up a larger fraction of a vegan diet than a standard Western diet.
According to several studies, plant-based diets typically contain more fibre, antioxidants, and other plant components. Additionally, they seem to contain higher amounts of potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E.
Even the iron content of vegan diets seems to be higher. The iron present in plant meals is not as bioavailable, which means your body absorbs it in a way different from the iron found in animal-based meals.
However, not all plant-based diets are the same. The idea of a poorly well-balanced meal is not far-fetched. A poorly curated vegan diet, for example, might not provide enough vitamin B12, niacin, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D, calcium, iodine, selenium, or zinc.
Health Benefits of a Plant-based Diet
1. A healthy way to lose weight
Weight loss is hinged on several factors, therefore a plant-based diet is not a guarantee for weight loss. However, it doesn’t hurt to try and there are several reasons why choosing this path may not be a bad decision.
Numerous observational studies indicate that compared to non-vegans, vegans tend to be leaner and have lower body mass indices (BMIs).
The gold standard in scientific research, randomized controlled studies, also reveal that vegan diets are more beneficial for weight loss than the diets they are compared with.
2. Significantly reduces cancer risk, especially colon cancer
A 2017 research found that adopting a vegan diet could cut cancer risk by 15%. The fact that plant diets are rich in fibre, vitamins, and phytochemicals—biologically active substances in plants—which prevent cancer—could be the cause of this health benefit.
Mixed findings have come from research examining how nutrition may affect a person’s risk of developing particular cancers.
However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer states that red meat is “possibly carcinogenic,” noting that studies have connected it to colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer in addition to other types of cancer.
Additionally, the organization claims that processed beef is carcinogenic and may result in colon cancer. These potential dangers are eliminated when red and processed meats are cut out of the diet.
3. Improves Blood Sugar Levels and Kidney Function
The risk of health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes can be raised by having high blood pressure, often known as hypertension. Fortunately, what you eat can influence your health. Following a plant-based diet helps lower blood pressure, which lowers your risk of developing these illnesses, according to numerous research. According to a meta-analysis of data from 39 research, those who ate vegetarianism often had lower blood pressure than those who ate omnivorous diets, which include both plants and meat. A different research revealed that vegetarians had a 34% lower risk of hypertension than non-vegetarians.
How Does Veganism Impact the Natural Environment?
The ecosystem is impacted differently by each food item we consume. Consequently, certain foods have a far greater effect than others. Our environment suffers greatly from the production of meat. A staggering number of natural resources, including fresh water and land, are used in the breeding, growing, and slaughter of billions of animals each year for food, in addition to producing a huge amount of waste and pollution.
READ ALSO: CitiTV Celebrates World Vegan Day with Ama Kambon
Conclusion
Going vegan is now simpler than ever because of the abundance of delicious and healthful plant-based options.
Planning a meal with what seems like a limited variety of food can be tiring. We would like you to have a smooth transition from your previous diet to the new, healthier diet.
At NkwaDua we have several options for you to choose from at reasonable prices. Some plans are available and meals can be tailored to your taste. Visit our website http://Nkwadua.com or reach us via Instagram @NkwaDua_vegan
