Why going Vegan is the best thing you can do in 2020

Wondering what’s all that buzz around Veganism? Let us simplify it for you! 

People aren’t born as vegans or vegetarians. Most of the vegans today were non vegetarians who questioned their lifestyles and chose to walk the greener path towards a sustainable future.

Veganism is a way of living which restricts the use of animal-based products. Vegans strictly prohibit animal-based foods like meats, milk, and dairy. Additionally, numerous vegans blacklist several other animal-derived products, for instance, leather and fur. 

Though it may sound tough, the benefits of going vegan are so vast that it seems like a no-brainer. Here are a couple:

Weight Loss:

Meats are fatty and force the body to store fat leading to weight gain. Plant-based foods, on the other hand, have healthier fats and are much easier to digest. Vegan diets usually consist of fewer calories, further lowering the risk of obesity and other diseases.

Reduces disease:

Vegan foods are rich in fibre, antioxidants, phytonutrients, flavonoids and carotenoids; and hence have lower chances of getting certain types of cancer, such as Colon and Prostate Cancer. They also manage type 2 diabetes (by reducing A1C levels), while lowering the risk of developing Hypertension and Stroke and are additionally known to reduce pain in Arthritis patients. Moreover, vegan foods are also low in cholesterol, reducing risk of heart disease.

Balanced Nutrient Intake:

A vegan diet has all the nutrients that our bodies need - from     vitamins and minerals to fibre and essential omega acids. When followed properly, the protein and iron which animal-based diets are known for, can easily be substituted with vegan diets. Beans, raisins, wheat, tofu, and kale contain iron, which are even more effectively absorbed by the body when taken with vitamin C rich foods like oranges and broccoli. Dark green leafy veggies and soy milk are great sources for calcium. Additionally, nuts and beans are rich in zinc and other minerals while hemp seeds - one of the richest vegan superfoods, are considered to be one of the best sources for vegan protein. 

Mood control:

There are studies which state that vegans and vegetarians have better scores on depression tests and mood profiles than those who eat fish and meat. Proteins derived from plants produce serotonin in the brain while the antioxidants protect from oxidative stress. Apart from the technical side of the story, going vegan can also do wonders for clearing your conscience!

Skin benefits:

When it comes to skin issues one of the key problems with non-vegan diets is ‘dairy’. Studies show that dairy exacerbates acne both in men and women. Vegans avoid dairy, instead opting for plant-based alternatives like almond milk, hemp milk etc. resulting in healthier skin. Moreover, the general freshness of organic produce is especially useful for purifying the skin and body.

Transitioning to a whole different lifestyle may seem overwhelming. Going vegan not only helps us live a longer and healthier life but also saves the massive impact of dairy and meat production on animals and the environment! The best way to go about it would be to slowly replace animal-based foods with the plant-based options available, one by one. Customize your diet according to your taste and health requirements, go slow, at your own pace.

After all, good things do take time!