Have you ever wondered why your food isn’t supporting your health goals? The answer might lie in your diet. Over the past decade, the world has shifted to a hypercaloric food regimen accompanied by a sedentary lifestyle. So, the question arises, how do we correct it?
The solution is quite simple: Veganism!
Once seen as a fringe movement, veganism, a plant-based diet, has slowly but steadily made its mark on people's lives. It has not only become a hallmark of good health but also a marker for reducing lifestyle and cardiovascular diseases.
According to the National Library of Medicine journal, the swift shift to a vegan diet has shown a 20% lower risk of heart disease as compared to a carnivorous diet. So, whether you're an ethical eater, a climate crusader, or just health-curious, going vegan might be the best decision you’ll ever make.
Here are seven powerful reasons, suggested by doctors and health experts, to give plant-based living a second thought, or even a permanent place on your plate.
1. How is Veganism Good for the Heart?
One of the most inadvertent benefits of a vegan diet is its ability to promote heart health. "A vegan diet is often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, and can be helpful for weight management and heart health. Moreover, following a vegan diet has many health benefits, it reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer," said Aishwarya Jaiswal, Nutritionist & Diabetes Educator, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow.
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2. How Veganism Helps in Sustainable Weight Loss?
Ditching animal products could help you lose weight without obsessively counting calories. “Vegan diets tend to be higher in fibre and lower in calorie density, which means you feel full on fewer calories. You’re more likely to eat whole, unprocessed foods when you go vegan, which naturally supports your weight loss goals,” said Jaiswal.
3. Better Blood Sugar Control
If you’re worried about diabetes, veganism might help. Research suggests that people who follow a vegan diet have a 50–78% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. High-fibre plant foods slow down sugar absorption, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.
“Plant-based diet may help in regulating blood sugar due to their high fibre content which keeps you fuller, prevents overeating and in turn improves insulin sensitivity. All of this combined with resistance training helps immensely to control blood sugar levels,” explained Varnit Yadav, Exercise and Nutrition Coach, Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences, India and JPS Health & Fitness, Australia.
4. Is Veganism Good for Your Gut?
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that thrive on what you eat. Plant-based diets feed the good bacteria with diverse fibres and polyphenols found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. These nutrients act like fertiliser for your gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and improving digestion.
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Some foods to include in your diet, listed by dietitian Jaiswal include:
- For vegan, gut-friendly food options in India, focus on featuring fermented ingredients. Some highly nutritious recipes like idli, dosa, and dhokla are particularly good as they are rich in probiotics and aid digestion.
- Kanji: Kanji is a traditional North Indian probiotic drink made from fermented black carports or beets.
- Achaar (Indian Pickles): Indian Achaar are made by fermenting vegetables and fruits with spices and salt, and kept in sunlight for long days. This fermentation process produces beneficial bacteria that help improve gut function and help in digestion.
- Sol kadhi: This traditional probiotic drink from Maharashtra, made up of kokum fruit (black tamarind) and coconut milk, helps ease indigestion and soothes the stomach during monsoon.
5. How Veganism Improves Skin?
With the goodness of plant-based food comes the antioxidants, which are the most essential element to maintain healthy-looking skin. Now, many people have started noticing clearer skin with fewer breakouts, as no dairy is involved in veganism. According to Dr Sukanksha Kulshreshtha, consultant Cosmetologist at IFAM Institute “Vegan diets rich in vitamin C, zinc, and copper support collagen synthesis. These elements together help maintain skin elasticity and firmness.”
“Fruits and vegetables like cucumber, leafy greens have high water content, keeping skin hydrated and plump. Antioxidants in plant-based foods neutralise free radicals, reducing premature ageing signs like wrinkles and fine lines. Vegan diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation, which can lead to skin issues like acne and rosacea,” she added.
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6. Veganism Benefits the Environment
Veganism isn't just good for your health routine, it is a powerful step towards a sustainable future for the planet. The livestock community is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution and deforestation. According to the United Nations, adopting a plant-based diet is one of the most impactful ways to reduce your carbon footprint. By choosing one vegan plate at a time, you can help build a better future.
7. Ethical Choices for a Kinder World
Last but certainly not least, going vegan isn’t just about your health, it's about making a compassionate care choice in favour of animals who face cruelty every day. Millions of animals are raised in intensive, often cruel conditions each year for food. By shifting to a plant-based diet, you choose to stand against animal abuse and suffering. It’s a powerful way to align your values with your actions, making every meal an opportunity to support a kinder, fairer world.
In a Nutshell: Veganism isn’t a Fad but a Lifestyle
Veganism isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle transformation with benefits that go far beyond your plate. From protecting your heart and waistline to supporting a healthier planet and more ethical food choices, there are plenty of reasons to explore a vegan path. Even small steps, like trying Meatless Mondays or adding more plant-based meals, you can begin your health journey with vegan food. So why not give veganism a shot? Your body, your conscience, and even the Earth itself might thank you for it.