Increasingly, veganism is becoming popular for health, ethical, and environmental reasons. However, before giving up on milk, eggs, honey, and your favorite cut of meat, you may ask yourself if there are any benefits to shunning all animal products.
According to doctors, dieticians, and vegans, you can expect positive changes quickly on a plant-based diet, even after just one month, especially if you haven’t been following a very healthy diet. People who already follow a Meditteranean based on small amounts of animal products just a few times a week may see more minor changes.
Reduced Calorie Intake Means Reduced Body Weight
Worldwide, obesity is becoming a problem, and overweight people tend to have higher blood pressure and fat levels in their blood.
By eliminating animal proteins, you immediately reduce your intake of foods with high calories and saturated fats. In addition, highly processed foods also contain salt and other additives that are known to impact your health negatively. As a result, you will probably see a marked difference in your weight after one month of following a vegan diet. Of course, this depends on what you were eating before, your age and gender, but you will lose some kilos.
Replace animal proteins with plant-based ones like tofu, legumes, soy milk, and tempeh. Additionally, replace animal fats like butter with natural ones like olive oil or cocoa butter.
Improved Heart Health
Triglycerides and cholesterol increase in your blood level when eating animal products. These are the main culprits that cause blockages in the vascular system, the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Sodium in processed foods also increases blood pressure, affecting the vascular system and increasing the risk of strokes. Plant-based proteins have no cholesterol and are low in sodium, helping to reduce your levels.
Normalized Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes is a chronic disease requiring constant monitoring and medication to control it. People who are overweight have a much higher risk of becoming diabetics. However, studies on diabetes and a vegan diet show that heavy people without diabetes have improved insulin sensitivity. In addition, their pancreatic cells, which produce and release insulin, also have improved function. As a result, their sugar levels improved.
Another study on diabetics found lower insulin resistance and better control of their blood sugar levels when they follow a plant-based diet or Mediterranean diet. Their A1C levels, which measure their long-term blood sugar over time, also improve.
Anti-inflammatory Compounds, Your Joints, and Overall Health
The phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables are antioxidants. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to reduce all chronic conditions of the joints that cause swelling, tenderness, and pain. Also, the weight you lose on a vegan diet helps relieve pressure on your ankles, knees, and hips. According to one study, your knees are rid of 4 pounds of pressure for every pound you lose. Imagine if you lose ten pounds!
Additionally, the antioxidants and phytonutrients in a vegan diet can reduce the risk of some cancers.
Reduced Inflammation and Your Skin
The same compounds that improve your joint health are also beneficial to your skin health. After one month of veganism, expect an improved skin appearance with reduced acne, less redness, and revitalized skin.
Fiber and Your Gut Health
Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are a high source of fiber. Fiber is vital to keeping your bowels active and a healthy gastrointestinal system because it contains prebiotics. These support the beneficial bacteria in your gut, and they help form probiotics. Since you can’t eat animal-based probiotics like yogurt, add live cultures into your diet by eating kimchi, kombucha, or sauerkraut.
Doing the Vegan Diet Correctly
Most people on a proper diet don’t eat enough vegetables. Changing to a vegan diet for a month can have an immediate and positive effect. However, going vegan does require planning and thought to ensure a balanced diet that includes proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Eating something that doesn’t have vegetable fat doesn’t always mean it is healthy, so remember to include fresh fruits and vegetables and all the protein sources in your diet.
Finally, if you aren’t doing a vegan diet correctly, you may become malnourished or feel sick. Prevent this by reading up on suitable food sources and finding ways to prepare balanced and delicious meals. Speak to a nutritionist if you are unsure about which foods to include.
After just a month, the positive effects on your body may make you want to embrace veganism for good. Your tastebuds will also learn to enjoy the taste of foods that don’t have added sugar, salt, and artificial flavors. So, why are you waiting? Eat vegan for a month and see its positive effects on your body.
