Benefits of a Vegan Diet

Vegan Diet Articles

Vegan Diet Basics
Articles

Benefits of a Vegan Diet
Read Article

The vegan diet reduces incidences of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, high cholesterol high blood pressure, obesity and cancer. This is largely due to the fact that a vegan diet is low in animal protein, saturated fats, cholesterol and simple carbohydrates. The vegan diet however is rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, enzymes and antioxidants which are health enhancers.

Foods a Healthy Vegan Diet Eliminates

Saturated Fats

The chemical makeup of a saturated fat is that its carbon atoms are saturated by hydrogen atoms. At room temperature these saturated fats are solid. Heart disease and stroke are brought on by high levels of cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol are the result of a diet rich in saturated fats.

Cholesterol

There are two kinds of cholesterol, the good kind (HDL) and the bad kind (LDL). The good kind carries cholesterol away from the arteries and prevents heart disease. When the bad kind of cholesterol increases it forms a plaque that can eventually block the arteries, producing heart disease. Levels of the good kind of cholesterol increase with exercise.

Simple Carbohydrates

These carbohydrates are processed and broken down to the point where they do not contain any health benefit or nutritious value. These carbs such as anything made out of white sugar and white flour, are considered “junk carbs.” They raise the level of blood sugar in the body and can produce diabetes. High levels of blood sugar in the body are very dangerous.

Foods a Healthy Vegan Diet Includes

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates are broken down into glucose slowly and therefore provide a steady amount of much needed fuel and energy to the body. These complex carbs such as whole grain breads and pastas, corn, beans, brown rice, root vegetables and oatmeal are “healthy carbs.”

Fiber

Fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods that transport food through the digestive system. Fiber aids weight managements and gastrointestinal health. Fiber serves as a broom in the body. It cleanses the body and rids it of harmful toxins. A body full of toxins becomes a haven for disease.

Fiber reduces hypertension, coronary heart disease and the risk of some cancers.

Sources of fiber are bran cereal, beans, and most fruits.

Enzymes

Food enzymes are proteins that help the body to properly digest food. Digestion is one of the most important functions of the body therefore food enzymes are essential to health. Enzymes are found in raw fruits and vegetables. Cooked fruits and vegetables are devoid of enzymes at around 115 degrees.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential nutrients that fight against free radicals. These free radicals are extremely damaging to the body producing heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Studies have shown that 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day reduce the risk of stroke.

Antioxidants also reduce the risk of cancer and infection and they enhance the immune system. Rich sources of vegan antioxidants are carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, green peppers, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, cantaloupe, peaches, apricots, citrus fruits, strawberries, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Next Article: Vegan Diet Myths