Health Benefits of the Vegan Lifestyle
If you are thinking of switching to the vegan lifestyle, here is a list of health benefits you can start looking forward to.
1. Lower risk of cancer: Research has shown that eating animal fats and proteins is linked to a higher risk of developing cancer. Men with early stage prostate cancer have been able to reverse the progression of their illness by changing to a vegan lifestyle. Similar studies have also shown that women who eat very little or no meat have a much lower rate of breast cancer than those who consume more animal products.
2. Lower risk of cardiovascular health issues: Reducing the amount of saturated fats often found in dairy products and meats, and instead eating nuts and whole grains can improve your overall cardiovascular health.
3. Lower cholesterol and blood pressure: Studies show that eliminating animal based foods and changing to a vegan lifestyle rich in whole grains, plays a key role in lowering high blood pressure. Plant-based diets with lots of vegetables and fruits contain very little to no cholesterol so it is no surprise that it is good for your heart.
4. Increased energy: In addition to good nutrition and disease prevention, being a vegan also brings various physical benefits including much higher energy.
5. Improved complexion: There have been instances when people suffered from long-term acne issues and found their skin changed completely when switching to a vegan diet. The nuts and vitamins A and E often found in vegetables play a key role in making this happen.
Studies suggest that those following a vegan or even a vegetarian lifestyle live an average of three to six years longer than meat-eaters. However, it is important to keep in mind that becoming a vegan is only one part of leading an overall healthy lifestyle and it cannot make up for other unhealthy habits.
For more information, visit Veg Food Fest. Follow @VegFoodFest or visit them on Facebook.
ABOUT VEG FOOD FEST
Toronto’s Veg Food Fest is the largest vegan food festival in North America, celebrating 32 years of delicious food that you never thought could be vegan. Enjoy free samples, live music, cooking demonstrations, presentations, new products and scrumptious food that will change your mouth’s mind. Veg Food Fest is presented by the Toronto Vegetarian Association and takes place September 9-11 at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto.
I eat mostly vegetarian. Two of my sisters are vegan. When people tell me “But I couldn’t possibly give up ….” I try to remind people that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing – even taking steps towards eating more vegetarian meals can improve your health!!!!
This is something that I am interested in to an extent but cannot fully dedicate myself to it as I love too many delicious meat recipes.
There are definitely some benefits to it but I do like my meat so don’t see me adopting the lifestyle and I know my husband definitely wouldn’t.
interesting info!
I don’t think adopt a vegan diet. I like to bbq a lot with steaks, burgers and hotdogs.
I don’t care if people follow the vegan diet, but I would have a hard time doing so, I crave meat I will get angry even if I don’t get my meat at least twice a week, I can not live with out having my beef, pork or chicken!!