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vegan

The Health Benefits of Veganism: What Science Has to Say

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The Health Benefits of Veganism: What Science Has to Say

Veganism has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice over the past few years, with more and more people choosing to adopt a plant-based diet. While some still cling to the notion that a vegan diet is somehow inferior to an omnivorous one, the science actually tells a different story. Numerous studies have found a number of significant health benefits associated with a vegan diet, from reduced risk of heart disease and cancer to improved digestion and better skin health. Here, we’ll take a closer look at what science has to say about the health benefits of veganism.

Lower Risk of Heart Disease

One of the most widely studied health benefits of a vegan diet is its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. High levels of dietary saturated fat and cholesterol, which are found in animal products, have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. A vegan diet eliminates these compounds entirely, and plant-based foods tend to be high in other heart-healthy nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and folate. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that vegans have a 75% lower risk of developing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. In addition, a meta-analysis of 10 different studies found that vegans have a 25% lower risk of dying from heart disease compared to omnivores.

Reduced Risk of Cancer

Veganism has also been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers. In particular, a vegan diet has been shown to lower the risk of colon cancer, which is one of the most common forms of cancer in the US. A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that vegans had a 16% lower risk of developing colon cancer compared to omnivores. The researchers believe that this is due in part to the high fiber content of a vegan diet, which can help remove cancer-causing substances from the colon. In addition, a study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that vegans had a 15% lower risk of developing all types of cancer compared to omnivores.

Better Digestive Health

A vegan diet has also been shown to improve digestive health. One of the most common reasons for this is the high fiber content of plant-based foods. Fiber helps to move food through the digestive system more efficiently, which can reduce the risk of constipation and other digestive issues. In addition, a study published in the journal Nutrients found that vegans have a lower risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic digestive disorder that can cause pain, bloating, and other symptoms. The researchers believe that this may be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of a vegan diet.

Better Skin Health

Finally, a vegan diet has also been linked to better skin health. Plant-based foods are rich in nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that people who followed a vegan diet for at least six months had significant improvements in skin health, including reduced incidence of acne and wrinkles. The researchers believe that this may be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of a vegan diet.

Conclusion

Overall, the science is clear: a vegan diet can have significant health benefits for those who adopt it. From reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer to improving digestive and skin health, there are many good reasons to consider going vegan. Of course, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting all of the nutrients your body needs, which may require some extra planning and attention to your diet. But with so many delicious plant-based foods available these days, it’s easier than ever to go vegan and enjoy all the health benefits that come with it.

References

  • American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/89/5/1627S/4596952
  • Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention: https://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/19/1/61.short
  • International Journal of Cancer: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ijc.24814
  • Nutrients: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471529/
  • Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212267213018302

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