Is a vegan diet healthy?
Is a vegan diet healthy?
While no diet can guarantee a long and healthy life, becoming a vegan can greatly improve your fitness. That's largely because a vegan diet eliminates some unhealthy foods.
The most rigorous assessment of the health about a vegan diet is documented and published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The authors determined that, “Vegan and vegetarian diets may provide significant health benefits compared with non-vegetarian diets.” Vegan diets can even support elite fitness levels. In fact, some of the world's top athletes are vegan. If a predominantly vegan diet works for Tom Brady and Serena Williams, it might be right for you. Going vegan offers a great opportunity to upgrade your eating habits.
Vegans tend to eat more vegetables and fruits than non-vegetarians. Studies consistently show that people who eat the most fruits and vegetables tend to enjoy better health. Research also shows that vegans have lower rates of heart disease and diabetes. This reduced risk is partly due to the fact that vegans are statistically leaner and much less obese than the general population, but this is not the whole explanation. Additional benefits may arise from the low amount of saturated fat and from the healthful compounds in plant foods.
A large number of vegans say giving up dairy has changed their lives. Dairy products can cause all sorts of chronic illnesses, from stuffy noses to acne, migraines to digestive problems. Many people suffer from these conditions for decades, but never suspect that dairy products are to blame. With all this in mind, even those unmoved by environmental and animal rights concerns might consider switching to a dairy-free regime. With potential rewards, you should try a dairy-free diet for a few weeks.
Vegan diets support high levels of fitness. Some people worry that a vegan diet might interfere with serious exercise, but that's not a legitimate concern. In fact, a well-planned vegan diet can support peak fitness levels. Both Rich Roll and Scott Jurek, two of the most highly regarded ultra-endurance athletes in the world, are longtime vegans. But what about sports that require endurance and bulk? There are also many examples of elite vegan athletes here. And in 2018, fifteen members of the Tennessee Titans switched to a vegan diet.
Compiled and penned by Crocus Media