There are so many benefits of vegan lifestyle. People often focus on what vegans do not eat but it’s also important to consider what vegans do eat! A healthy vegan means consuming vast amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and grains. Be careful with vegan desserts as they can contain high fats and sugars. Sticking with REAL vegan foods are the most beneficial and here’s why:

Seven Benefits of Vegan Lifestyle

1. Easier Digestion

Many fruits and vegetables are non acidic which is easier on the digestive tract. In contrast, processed, acidic meats are harder on the stomach. Raw vegetables are also rich in enzymes which increase the level of digestion in the stomach leading to better absorption of nutrients. Forget the bloating and sluggish feelings because eating vegan will allow your body the optimum level of energy you deserve!

2. Eliminating Dietary Cholesterol

Plant based foods have little to no cholesterol. In fact, plant based foods improve liver function which is where cholesterol is produced. Avocados, walnuts, beans, and oats are all great foods to fight high cholesterol.

3. Decrease in Body Odor

What leaves your body reflects what enters into your body. Manufactured foods and red meat are the culprits of bad body odor. Toxins are excreted through sweat glands in the armpits. By eating clean vegan foods, your body will naturally have less toxic build up.

4. Low Caloric Intake

Vegan foods have far less calories than meats. Compare a cup of lentil soup vs. a hamburger with the bun.

1 C. of lentil soup = 186 calories with over 10g of protein and 5g of total fat.

1 hamburger with the bun = 270 calories with 14g of protein and 11g of total fat.

Although the hamburger has more protein, the lentil soup provides a sufficient amount of protein and far less fat content and calories. This is only one example of many vegan foods with great nutrients and low calorie intake.

5. Preventing Heart Disease.

Eliminating dairy and meat improves cardiovascular health and decreases the chances of heart disease (the most common cause of death in the West). Practicing healthy living habits like getting outdoor exercise also prevent heart disease. Start growing a garden outside full of vegetables which will definitely get you outdoors every day!

6. Increased Energy

Eating alkaline plant based foods provide the body with more energy. By abstaining from meat, eggs, dairy, refined sugars, white flour, and alcohol the body can maintain a balanced pH level. By eating vegan foods our body does not have to take important minerals (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) from our bones, teeth and organs in order to stay balanced like acidic diets do.

7. A Natural Way to Consume Fiber

Beans and legumes provide high fiber (averaging 15g per cup!) Additionally, raspberries, bananas, apples, oranges and strawberries are great sources of fiber. By eating these vegan foods, the body can protect against colon cancer and lead to healthier bowel movements. The body’s blood is also cleansed by consuming fiber.

Added Bonus:

Refraining from eating meat is a practice of ahimsa and kindness towards animals.

I hope transitioning to a vegan lifestyle is easier now knowing these seven amazing benefits! If you’re new, start slow by adding in fruit for breakfast or these vegan gluten free banana pancakes. Remember, clean eating is happy living! 🙂