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7 Benefits of Following a Plant-Based Diet

vegan meals

There has been a huge rise in veganism over the last five years. In countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia the number of vegans is growing all of the time, with plant-based restaurants, meals, and cookbooks popping up all over the place to cater to this new and growing market. This growth in veganism means that it’s something more of us are talking about. Vegan recipes are shared online, vegan restaurants are popular choices on the high streets, and more people than ever before are considering their options when it comes to eating meat. 

In years gone by, most people stopped eating meat because they loved animals, and couldn’t stand the idea of eating them. Nowadays, however, while is still a popular reason to make the switch to a plant-based diet, it’s not the only reason that people make the choice. There are plenty of benefits to a plant-based diet. Here’s a look at some of them.

It’s Great for the Planet

One of the more popular reasons people are cutting out or at least reducing the amount of meat in their diet is that it’s better for the environment to eat less meat. We’re all becoming more environmentally conscious, and eating less meat is an easy change to make. 

It’s a Great Way to Try New Things

New vegans often worry that they’ll have to eat the same things, or that they’ll never be able to eat out. But with restaurants like Native Foods, Orange County, there’s a much greater choice available than ever before. Eating more plants means that you’ll try new things, add variety to your diet, and enjoy some wonderfully exotic fruits that you might never have considered.

A Vegan Diet is Rich in Nutrients

When you cut animal products from your diet, there are nutrients like vitamin-12 that you might struggle to get enough of. But you can always try a supplement. On the other hand, when you eat more fruit and vegetables, you’ll enjoy far higher levels of almost every other vitamin. 

A Vegan Diet Can Help You to Lose Weight

It’s easier to lose weight and to maintain a healthy weight when you cut fatty meats and dairy from your diet. A vegan diet is naturally low in fat, and you are less likely to overindulge. 

A Plant-Based Diet Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease

Eating less fat decreases the risks of heart disease and coronary blockages. But so does eating more fruit and veg.

You Could Reduce Your Risk of Developing Dementia

Fruit and vegetables contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and folate, all of which can decrease the risks of cognitive decline and dementia as you age.

Improved Athletic Performance

Eating more fruit and vegetables, as well as grains, pulses, and nuts and seeds, and being a healthy weight, means that you’ll have lower blood pressure, less inflammation, a healthier heart, and better circulation. All of this can help you to increase your athletic performance and hit personal bests.

Following a plant-based diet can have a huge effect on your health, and you should start to feel the benefits fairly quickly, so why not get started?