Vegan Lifestyle - Health benefits of adopting veganism

A vegan diet is focused on foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and soy products. This exposes vegans to a wide range of benefits such as:

Reduced saturated fats.

Any nutritionist will tell you that animal products such as dairy products and meats contain a large amount of saturated fats. Vegans avoid these fats which are a threat to your cardiovascular health.

Carbohydrates.

A vegan diet is based on plants and grains. These foods are rich in carbohydrates which act as energy sources for normal body functions. Fiber.

Vegans take in a lot of fiber which helps fight diseases and conditions like colon cancer. A diet that is rich in fiber also helps maintain a healthy level of bowel movements.

Magnesium.

A vegan diet has a healthy serving of nuts and seeds which are excellent sources of magnesium. Potassium.

A vegan diet also focuses on fruits such as bananas which are sources of potassium. This extremely important mineral helps the body balance water and acidity levels. It also reduces the chances of some cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Potassium also stimulates the kidneys to eliminate toxins. Vegans can also opt to use dietary vegan supplements that are rich in potassium. Check out the vegan supplements by Body by nature to find out which potassium rich supplement is good for you.

Antioxidants.

Eggplants, onions and pumpkins are common plant foods for vegans. These foods contain antioxidants that are responsible for helping the body fight cell damage.

Phytochemicals.

A vegan diet that is based on plant foods is a good source of phytochemicals. These chemicals boost the production of protective enzymes in the body. For a better perspective into veganism, we turn to this detailed story of a newly converted vegan.

Laura Carson: My Vegan Journey

I have recently become a vegan. I’m in my twenties and I made the leap to leave the pleasures of eating meat, poultry, and fish among other animal products. I loved a good juicy hamburger and bacon on my plate at breakfast until one of my vegan friends opened my eyes to the reality in which we subjugate animals in order to get food and related products. It literally broke my heart and I knew I had to make a change.

We never acknowledge that the meats we eat were once part of a living, breathing and conscious animal. We are quick to acknowledge the plight of domesticated pets and turn a blind eye to these animals that are used as food sources. This really put me in a distraught state.

It was at that point that I decided to adopt veganism. I decided to stop consuming meat and animal products. I became, literally overnight, a vegan. I felt sad that I had many pairs of leather shoes and a car laden with leather seats. I couldn’t do anything about that but I decided to never invest in the same again. If it was from a living creature, it wasn’t for me.

I became a vegan so I could help protect these animals that we are quick to exploit and kill in the name of living comfortably. I believe that humans weren’t meant to consume animal products as there is a rise in the number of lactose intolerant people. I see it as nature’s way of telling us to keep off animals and the related products.

For me, the plight of these animals turned me into a vegan. Others turn to veganism because it is a healthy lifestyle. For me turning vegan was pretty hard as I had to give away a lot of products and lived on a pretty limited budget. I struggled to adapt to my new lifestyle but it was only a matter of time.

It is relatively easy to find vegan products as many people are adopting this healthy lifestyle. Stores are stocking their shelves with vegan products and fresh food markets make it easy to make a well-balanced diet.

If you are a new vegan convert, turn to your friends for advice and guidance on how to become a vegan. Don’t be afraid of people judging you so long as you believe in the ideal. Animals are our companions and friends, not food sources.

For the sake of the animals and their continued existence, I would ask you to at least consider veganism.

- Laura Carson