Should You Become Vegan?

Have you heard of people making the switch to a vegan diet? Even NFL players such as Andre Patton and Griff Whalen have made the switch from an omnivore diet to a vegan diet! 

Why are people going vegan?

Suddenly, being vegan is more than a “hipster” diet, it could actually be beneficial to anyone. Becoming vegan can be for multiple reasons such as improving your health or supporting animal rights. For those who want to improve their health, this blog will explain the positive effects a vegan diet can have on you. Before getting into the positive effects of this diet, let’s discuss what veganism is about.

What is Veganism?

Veganism is a diet omitting animal products and animal by-products. Examples of omitted foods are

  • chicken
  • beef
  • veal
  • fish
  • milk
  • cheese
  • eggs

Taking away all of these foods?! What could one possibly eat without them!

Foods you could eat when following a vegan diet are:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Beans
  • Seeds
  • Whole grains
  • Tofu
  • Nuts
  • Seitan

Health Benefits of being vegan

Following a vegan diet can have numerous benefits on your health. A plant-based diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke,  obesity, and some types of cancers (“Academy of Nutrition”, 2017). Studies have shown a vegan diet decreased participants saturated fat intake, resulting in a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The study also determined there was a component of dairy products which increased the risk of prostate cancer (Mengels, 2008). Another study showed participants following a vegan diet reported fewer feelings of anxiety and depression than those who did not follow a vegan diet (Beezhold, Radnits, Rinne & DiMatteo, 2015). View the clip below to learn more about how a vegan diet will benefit your health!

 

Are you convinced yet? Are you ready to make the switch? Below is a video on a “starter pack” providing you with the necessary information to transition into a vegan diet.

 

How easy will it be for you to make the change and take control of your diet?

 

 

 

 

                                                              References

 

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Weighs In Vegan Diets Are Good for Health. (2017). Good Medicine, 26(1), 9.

Beezhold, B., Radnitz, C., Rinne, A., & DiMatteo, J. (2015). Vegans report less stress and anxiety than omnivores. Nutritional Neuroscience, 18(7), 289–296. https://doi.org/10.1179/1476830514Y.0000000164

Mangels R. (2008). Vegan diet offers health benefits. Vegetarian Journal, 27(4), 20.