Discover the incredible effects on the body from eating only vegan foods. Here’s how a vegan diet benefits you.

Vegan and plant-based diets have enjoyed a huge surge in popularity in recent years. Many of us are now choosing to reduce or completely eliminate their intake of animal products. This may be for ethical, environmental, health or other reasons.

If you’re considering a vegan diet, you might be wondering what the potential effects could be for your health and fitness. Read on for the effects of a vegan diet on the body. 

The Protein Myth

One of the biggest arguments used against veganism and physical healing is the protein myth. It’s undeniable that protein is crucial for tissue repair and growth.

This can lead fitness enthusiasts to bring a lot of meat protein into their diets, to facilitate quicker muscle development. Scientists are now arguing that this is excessive. This type of protein intake is not only unnecessary in a human diet but possibly counterproductive. 

A low-fat, plant-based diet is proposed to be more healthy overall, and with plenty of protein available. The amount of protein available in beans, grains, and vegetables is surprisingly high.

Large animals like elephants, horses, bulls, and giraffes eat completely plant-based diets. With this they are able to maintain and repair their big, strong bodies.

Weight Loss on a Vegan Diet

Plant-based protein sources are lower in calories than animal-based one. This can aid weight loss and help to maintain a healthier lifestyle. If your diet currently contains lots of saturated fats and processed food, then making the switch to vegan could help you to control this.

That’s not to say that all vegan diets are healthy, there are plenty of vegan junk foods you could load up on if you were so inclined. 

Healing Help

A vegan diet can enable the body to heal more quickly, by regulating inflammation. Inflammation happens when the blood vessels enlarge after injury. It can also include blood leaking into the tissues and the release of antibodies.

Whilst some inflammation is required to protect the body, it can quickly become dangerously high. A vegan diet may help keep this process in check. 

Gut Health

Upon changing to a vegan diet, you may experience some bloating and gas, as your digestive system adapts to the increased fiber in your diet. Your microbiome will change. If you were experiencing any lactose intolerance previously then your body will be adjusting.

After a while, you should find that you experience far fewer digestive issues and have regular, healthy bowel movements. 

Increased Energy

Many people who have switched to a vegan diet have reported experiencing an increase in energy. This could be because the change has included eating more balanced, whole-grain, fresh foods. 

Prevent Disease

Research has found that, as well as potentially aiding healing, a vegan diet can decrease the risk of diseases. A vegan diet has been associated with a hugely reduced risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes.

It’s also been indicated to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by around 40%. Other conditions like atherosclerosis and high blood pressure have also been reversed. 

The Take-Away

Evidence is pointing towards a plant-based diet as having many potential health benefits. Speak to your health professional if you have any concerns about its suitability for you.

Do you know of any other health benefits to a vegan diet? Let us know!