Impressive Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet

A vegan diet can be one of the healthiest eating programmes to follow. Plant-based diets are associated with a multitude of health benefits due to its high content of fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are provided from an array of whole-foods. Following a plant-based vegan diet can assist in the prevention of certain diseases, and even help to reverse some. Listed below are what are considered to be the top 6 health benefits of the vegan diet:

Helps to prevent obesity, and support the loss of excess body weight

Plant-based diets have been linked with a lower risk of developing obesity in contrast to diets high in animal foods. Vegan diets generally help with weight control because plant foods are normally much lower in calories and fats than foods derived from animals.

Lowers the risk of heart disease

Plant-based diets rich in whole foods can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, help lower blood pressure, and prevent obesity, all of which are primary factors in the development of heart disease. This is believed to be due to the high fibre and low saturated fat content of the plant-based diet.

Helps with both prevention and the reversing of type 2 diabetes

Vegan diets tend to help towards the prevention and, in cases, the actual reversal of type 2 diabetes. One of the main reasons for this is that vegans generally hold better control of their body weight; being overweight is a massive risk factor for type 2 diabetes. People consuming a plant based diet appear to have better insulin sensitivity and enhanced levels of insulin, which provide for better blood sugar levels.

Offers the potential to prevent certain types of cancer

Evidence suggests that a low fat, high fibre diet, which includes lots of wholefoods, presents the best safeguard against cancer. Fibre in food can help reduce the risk of developing cancer, whereas fat generally raises the risk; a plant-based diet is considered as highly beneficial towards the treatment of cancers, particularly those related to the digestive tract such as colon cancer and other forms of cancer such as breast cancer.

Helps alleviate the pain associated with arthritis

A plant-based diet has the potential to help reduce inflammation, which can work to ease joint pain and other associated symptoms for individuals with chronic rheumatological or osteo-arthritic type conditions.

Potentially helps with certain skin conditions

Fruits and vegetables are eaten in generous volumes in the vegan diet; these are high in both vitamin and antioxidant content, which are the building blocks for healthy skin. A plant-based diet will not only help to achieve a clear and radiant skin but may also be useful in the treatment of conditions such as acne and eczema.