You’ve heard the statistics from one health expert after another.
Your head is almost spinning from the scary warnings in one article after another.
“Eating Buffalo Wings Could Affect Your Unborn’s Penis Size”
You’ve seen the headlines, heard about the studies and read alarming blog posts.
“Is Chicken Killing Black Folks and the World?”
Your doctor even made some hints during your last checkup.
So, many of the dangers–as well as the benefts–noted in this article. will come
as no surprise to you.
The question is: Are these cautions sinking in?
Or are they falling on deaf ears?
Sure that hot dog takes delicious, but is it worth the risk of heart disease?
“In growing numbers,
doctors are recommending
that people cut back on their meat
consumption and eat more vegetables.”
It’s certainly good advice, and those who take significant steps to go meat free and
embrace a vegan diet are finding that not only is their health improving–and we’re talking
about significantly reducing their risks for the top four killers–they’re also finding other
surprising benefits.
Let’s take a look at the benefits in a bit more detail:
#1. Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Plants do not contain the same type or volume of saturated fats that animal products do.
Dairy and red meat are particularly high in saturated fat.
While some vegetables do contain saturated fat–like avocados and nuts–these particular fats
have been shown to actually be quite beneficial.
When people go on a vegan diet and eliminate animal products from their life, their cholesterol
goes down, their blood pressure often goes down and their cardiovascular health improves.
There is a cumulative effect that reduces a vegan’s risk for cardiovascular disease.
More fruits, nuts, legumes and vegetables means more nutrients and more fiber in a diet.
Combine that with reduced cholesterol and saturated fats and you have a winning combination.
In a study reported on by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
“Plasma total and LDL cholesterol were 32% and 44% lower among
vegans than among omnivores. Because obesity is a significant risk
factor for CVD, the substantially lower mean BMI observed in vegans
may be an important protective factor for lowering blood lipids and
reducing the risk of heart disease.
Vegans, compared with omnivores, consume substantially greater
quantities of fruit and vegetables.
A higher consumption of fruit and vegetables, which are rich in fiber,
folic acid, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, is associated with lower
blood cholesterol concentrations a lower incidence of stroke, and a
lower risk of mortality from stroke and ischemic heart disease.
Vegans also have a higher consumption of whole grains, soy, and nuts,
all of which provide significant cardioprotective effects.”
#3. Reduce Risks for Type II Diabetes
Type II Diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which is a common result from obesity and
a diet that is heavy in starchy carbohydrates and fatty foods.
Conversely, a diet that has a foundation of fruits, vegetables, and plants is low in fat and not
only helps manage blood sugar levels but has been shown to promote weight loss.
#2. Reduced Risk of Cancer
Vegan eating has been shown to not only prevent certain types of cancer but also reverse
cancer in some patients who are dealing with the disease.
A study published in Medical News Today showed that men who were in the early stages of
prostate cancer were able to stop the progress of the cancer and in some cases were able to
reverse it.
Colon cancer is another cancer that is commonly reduced or eliminated by a diet that is rich
in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
Additionally, in countries where meat and animal product consumption is low, women have a much lower
rate of breast cancer.
#4. Better Hair, Skin, and Nails
Many new vegans are surprised by how much their complexion improves.
There are, as you might suspect, many reasons for this.
Many people are sensitive to dairy proteins but don’t realize it.
Once they eliminate this food from their diet their immune system and digestive systems
don’t have to struggle.
The result is an improvement in their overall health and your skin is always a good
indicator of your health.
When it looks healthy and radiant you know you’re doing something right.
Your hair and nails are also a sign of vitality.
The nutrients you provide your body with through a vegan diet have a significant impact
on your health and wellbeing.
#5. Better Sleep, More Energy, Reduced Allergies
Studies have shown that not only do vegans enjoy more energy and better sleep, they also live longer.
In fact, several studies have suggested that they live an average of three to six years longer than omnivores.
Additionally, many vegans report a reduction in their allergy symptoms, including less congestion and
fewer runny noses.
This may be due to a decrease in allergens entering their body or it may be that they simply have a stronger
immune system because of their nutrient rich diet.
They also report fewer headaches including migraines.
#6. Improved Eyesight, Focus and Other Benefits
Other benefits of a healthy, balanced vegan diet have included:
• Improved eyesight and a reduced risk of degenerative eye diseases
• Better focus and neurological function
• Reduced risk for arthritis and reduced arthritis pain
• Reduced risk for osteoporosis
The Eye Opening Truth About Eating Animals
You’ve heard the benefits of reduced meat consumption or better yet, transitioning to a vegan diet.
Now let’s dig a little deeper into “the ugly truth about eating animals” –made glaringly clear by the
PETA infographic below–and see what you think.
Knowledge is power. You decide.
What do you think? Share your thoughts and comments about this provocative topic with us.
Sharing is caring. Feel free to share this post with friends, family, fans and followers.
I do not eat meat. I did until 1997, then gave it up after reading “Fast Food Nation.” My boys still eat meat, so I will get it for them, but only organic, grass fed. I’m hoping they’ll become vegetarians, but it’s up to them. As a fitness professional for over 30 years, I’ve seen how food, weight, cognitive skills and disease are all linked.
I do still eat some meat, but very minimal compared to most people, I think. The whole Paleo crazy drives me nuts because 1) it’s a fad, and nobody can maintain a fad diet for the rest of their life, 2) it’s so meat-based, and there is zero evidence that a meat/fat based diet is good for anyone in the long term, 3) getting your carbs from meat and fat is extremely costly for the planet. 7 Billion people could not go Paleo, which makes this diet a rich person’s diet.
According the the Blue Zones, the longest lived people groups eat plant/grain/legume-based diets,
I think about this all the time. I am convinced that eating less (maybe no) meat and more vegetables is better for us and the planet. I just can’t give up the meat! I don’t eat a lot, but I feel like I need some to satisfy my hunger. Little by little I am trying to reduce my meat consumption. I’ll get there. Have you ever seen the movie “Forks Over Knives”? That was a real eye-opener for me.
Hi Kristina,
It is so great to hear that you are reducing you meat consumption. There is so much evidence supporting this. I have not seen “Forks Over Knives” yet, but I plan. Thanks for sharing your comments with us.