From restaurant menus to grocery store aisles, there are plenty of vegan offerings to choose from lately. That’s likely because more and more people are choosing to eliminate meat and animal products from their diets. It’s actually a smart choice. Not only do you save animals, you can improve your overall health. Here are ten benefits of a vegan diet:
1. You’ll get the protein your body needs in healthier ways
The average individual often eats more red meat than they should. Going vegan will allow you to get your protein from healthier food sources like nuts and beans. As a result, you will likely reduce the amount of saturated fats you consume. Just make sure you incorporate more protein-rich foods into your meal plan to avoid any deficiencies.
2. You can lower your risk of developing several types of cancer
Studies show that vegans are less likely to develop many forms of cancerous diseases. For example, cutting out red meat can drastically drop your risk of colon cancer. In addition, a diet that consists primarily of whole grains and vegetables can lower your chances of breast or prostate cancer as well.
3. You may lose weight
Vegans tend to weigh less than most people who eat meat and dairy. By following a vegan diet, you’ll be leaving out a lot of the culprits that would normally lead to weight gain. Plus, you can replace the unhealthy foods with beneficial fruits and veggies that may actually lead to weight loss.
4. You’ll avoid more processed foods
Processed foods are usually packed with added sugar and salt. They can also be loaded with gluten-based fillers and other questionable additives. It’s best to skip all of the processed stuff and opt to live a fresh, vegan lifestyle. The abundance of tasty produce and whole grains will make it easier to ditch the junk-food habit.
5. You can improve the appearance of your skin, hair and nails
Many people report seeing a drastic improvement in the appearance of their skin shortly after cutting out meat and animal products. When you put healthy food into your body, you will absorb the vitamins you need to keep your skin smooth and vibrant. In addition, many vegans have stronger hair and nails as a result of their dietary choices.
More: 10 Foods to Eat Every Day for Perfect Skin
6. You’ll boost your energy level
If you’ve been feeling tired and sluggish, going vegan may be the solution. An iron deficiency is often to blame for low energy levels. It’s easy to get more iron by eating greens like kale and spinach. You can also give your energy a lift by eating vitamin-containing fruits, which are a big part of the vegan lifestyle.
7. You may increase your immunity
Studies show that a vegan diet can help boost your immunity. You will absorb all kinds of sickness-fighting nutrients from the healthy legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables you’ll be eating. That means you can take fewer sick days and steer clear of the doctor’s office.
8. You may live longer
Everyone would like to live a long, healthy life. Going vegan can help you do that. Some research shows that vegans tend to live an average of five years longer than people who regularly eat meat, dairy and eggs. Giving up those foods is a small price to pay for added time with family and friends.
9. You’ll be saving animals
This is probably the most obvious benefit of going vegan, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Many of us don’t like the idea of eating our furry and feathery friends. Even dairy products and eggs may come from farms that don’t use ethical treatment. By avoiding meat and animal products entirely, you will be doing your part to keep animals roaming free rather than in a cage or on a plate.
10. You’ll get more fiber
Everyone knows that you need plenty of fiber in your diet if you want to stay regular. However, many of us don’t eat the recommended amount. Focusing on a vegan diet that’s comprised mainly of fibrous veggies and fruits will give your digestive system everything it needs to run smoothly.
More: 10 Reasons Your Diet Is Making You Tired
If you’ve been searching for a way to improve your health and lengthen your life, the vegan diet might be just what you’ve been looking for. Consider all the many benefits of eliminating meat and animal products from your daily meals and snacks. Go vegan to protect the world’s animals as well as your health! Do you agree with these perks of a vegan diet?