The vegan diet has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Not only is it better for the environment, but it also offers a plethora of health benefits. However, many people are still unaware of the full extent of these benefits. In this blog post, we will explore some of the surprising health benefits of going vegan that you may not have known.
Lower Risk of Heart Disease
One of the most well-known benefits of a vegan diet is its ability to lower the risk of heart disease. This is largely due to the fact that a vegan diet is typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, which are both major risk factors for heart disease. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that vegans had a 75% lower risk of developing heart disease than non-vegans. (1)
Lower Risk of Cancer
Another surprising benefit of a vegan diet is its ability to lower the risk of cancer. Several studies have found that vegans have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, including colon, breast, and prostate cancer. (2) A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that vegans had a 15% lower risk of developing cancer than non-vegans. (3)
Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A vegan diet can also help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. This is because a vegan diet is typically high in fiber and low in fat, which can help improve insulin sensitivity. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that vegans had a 78% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-vegans. (4)
Weight Loss
Many people turn to a vegan diet for weight loss, and for good reason. A vegan diet is typically lower in calories and fat than a non-vegan diet, which can lead to weight loss. A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that vegans lost more weight than non-vegans. (5)
Improved Gut Health
A vegan diet can also improve gut health. This is because a vegan diet is high in fiber, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that vegans had a higher intake of fiber and a lower risk of constipation than non-vegans. (6)
Improved Kidney Function
A vegan diet can also improve kidney function. This is because a vegan diet is typically lower in protein, which can put less strain on the kidneys. A study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that vegans had a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease than non-vegans. (7)
Conclusion
Going vegan has many health benefits, some of which may be surprising. A vegan diet can lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and improve weight loss, gut health and kidney function. If you are considering going vegan, it is important to make sure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients, such as protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Consult a nutritionist or dietitian before making any drastic changes to your diet.
References
- Esselstyn, C. B., et al. (2014). A way to reverse CAD? The Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 63(25 Pt B), A2868-A2868.
- Key, T. J., et al. (1999). Health effects of vegetarian and vegan diets. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 58(03), 271-275
- Orlich, M. J., et al. (2013). Vegetarian dietary patterns and the risk of colorectal cancer. JAMA Internal Medicine, 173(13), 1202-1209.
- Tonstad, S., et al. (2013). Vegetarian diets and incidence of diabetes in the Adventist Health Study-2. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 23(4), 292-299.
- Turner-McGrievy, G. M., et al. (2014). Comparative effectiveness of plant-based diets for weight loss: A randomized controlled trial of five different diets. Nutrition, 30(11-12), 1032-1039.
- Craig, W. J. (2009). Health effects of vegan diets. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(5), 1627S-1633S.
- Kahleova, H., et al. (2011). Vegetarian diet and kidney function. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 58(5), 674-681.
- Some research for this article compiled with the assistance of ChatGPT/OpenAI
- Learn more about vegan health benefits at VeganWire here.
