Plenty of people are choosing vegan diets worldwide. Some chose veganism because of religious beliefs, others did so for environmental concerns, and the list of reasons goes on.

Although there are many benefits of going vegan, some people shy away from this diet because they worry about the impact it may have on their bodies. This concern roots in the misbelief that vegan diets lack nutrient-dense foods.

When following proper nutritional guidelines, veganism can have the following positive impacts on your body:

#1 Lower Your Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

According to studies, people who go vegan are at a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Also, if you already have diabetes, a vegan diet can help regulate glucose levels.

A healthy vegan diet is rich in plant-based and unsaturated foods. As a result, a vegan diet provides us with plenty of soluble fiber, which helps slow down sugar absorption. Also, vegetables and fruits contain essential minerals and vitamins that help with diabetes prevention and management.

#2 Your Bowel Functions Will Improve

Soluble fiber helps to improve digestion and nutrient absorption from foods. Unlike vegan foods, animal products do not contain any fiber. Therefore, a vegan diet can help to relieve and prevent constipation.

Foods that are rich in soluble fiber include:

• Vegetables such as avocados, brussels sprouts, and carrots
• Fruits such as bananas, papaya, and apples
• Whole-grain foods such as cereals and bread

#3 You Will Be Less Likely to Be Obese

According to research, people who consume meat regularly are more likely to be obese than vegans.

A serving of meat provides more calories than a serving of vegetables or fruits. In other words, vegan diets enable you to eat more without quickly consuming large amounts of calories.

Vegan diets that promote the intake of whole foods can help to sustain a healthy weight. However, if we are not mindful of our dietary choices, vegan diets can also be unhealthy. For example, you are unlikely to achieve weight loss on a diet that focuses on cakes, veggie chips, and soda. Just like with any other diet, in order to achieve weight loss healthily, it is important to consume foods that provide the essentials nutrients and avoid exceeding the caloric intake that our bodies need.

#4 Your Heart Health Improves

Over the past decade, there was a strong link between heart disease and the consumption of red meat’s high saturated fats. However, new research suggests that an additional culprit behind heart disease is Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in red meat.

Fortunately, by limiting red meat intake, we can reduce the high levels of TMAO and the risk of heart disease. Also, people who are at risk of developing heart disease or already have it can greatly benefit from various healthy vegan foods, such as whole fruits, veggies, nuts, and beans.

#5 Your Risk of Getting Cancer Decreases

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading deadly illnesses in America. And, obesity, which vegans are less prone to develop, is one of the main risk factors behind colorectal cancer.

Additionally, according to studies, the consumption of red meat can harm intestinal flora and as a result, it contributes to the development of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, according to the IARC, the risk of colon cancer increases by 18% for every 100 grams of red meat that we eat.

Z.E.N. Foods’ healthy meal delivery service offers a great variety of meals from cuisines arounds the world, including some plant-based meals, cold-pressed juices and vegan soups. Please call us at (310) 205-9368 for more info.