More and more people have come to realize that eating a carbohydrate diet for health is a good way to go. If you still believe that eating a low-carbohydrate diet is going to keep you thin and healthy, think again.
There is a lot of misconception when it comes to the area of dieting. So many diets tell you to get rid of carbohydrate-rich foods and eat more animal protein.
However, our bodies need carbohydrates in order to have energy. We can’t expect to live our lives and not have the energy we need to look after ourselves.
A low-carbohydrate diet may be good for a short period of time, but it comes with long-term risks.
One of those risks is osteoporosis. When we eat a diet high in animal protein, the risk of osteoporosis especially for women is very high.
The reason is that our bodies will take calcium from the bones to neutralize the acids that build up in the bloodstream as a result of eating and having to digest a large amount of animal protein.
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, any low-carbohydrate diet which does not include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains but is high in animal foods increases the risk of getting many kinds of cancers.
In fact, in many international studies, it has been shown that countries with low rates of breast cancer are where there is a low rate of eating animal protein and fat.
They have shown that diets that are rich in high-fiber foods have a more healthy population.
Another alarming statistic is the risk of heart disease. The over-consumption of saturated fat is a known risk fact for raising cholesterol as well as the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The Health Benefits of Eating a Vegan Diet
Have you wondered if the vegan diet is the right one for you? You might have even thought it sounded extreme and maybe even boring.
You might want to consider if there is any health benefit to this way of eating.
People who follow a vegan diet have been ridiculed. The question is always “where do you get your protein?”
However, there is in fact protein in everything we eat from fruits and vegetables to nuts and seeds.
Following this way of eating just might be the best decision you could make for your health and longevity.
First of all, let us look at what a vegan diet actually is. Basically, it is a diet that is free of animal products.
What that means is not eating any meat, from fish and seafood to not eating dairy products, or eggs.
Some people choose to eliminate honey since it is the byproduct of bees.
So What Can You Eat on a Vegan Diet?
There are so many different foods to choose from including fruits and vegetables.
As well you can choose to add legumes, beans, various grains, along with nuts and seeds.
You will also be able to eat foods such as bread and pasta.
It is important to keep in mind that some vegan food isn’t necessarily healthy food.
French fries may be made from a vegetable, but they are cooked in oil which isn’t that healthy for you.
Other foods such as potato chips or cookies may also be vegan, but again they aren’t a healthy choice.
You can be considered eating one hundred percent vegan and still be eating a very unhealthy diet.
There are many health benefits in a vegan diet when you include a variety of nutritious foods:
Arthritis Pain Maybe Reduced:
Multiple studies have shown that following a vegan diet can reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Study participants stated that they had less morning stiffness and as well less swelling in their joints as well.
Metabolism Benefits:
Vegan diets can be very healthy. In fact, a good vegan diet can be full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals.
Importantly, a decent vegan diet can also be low in calories, cholesterol, and saturated fat.
Most importantly a vegan diet can also be high in nutrition, but low in calories and disease-causing components.
There is some evidence to suggest that when we follow a vegan diet there is an improvement in the gut biome. This can also lead to many metabolic advantages.
Lower Risk of Heart Disease:
The main contributor to heart disease includes high blood sugar, high blood pressure, LDL and total cholesterol.
The good news is that there can be a lowering of all these risk factors when one follows a healthy vegan diet.
Cognitive Benefits:
People who follow a vegan diet have shown a decreased risk in the development of cognitive issues.
As well when a cognitive issue is present, people who follow a vegan diet have shown a slower rate of decline.
Lower Risk of Certain Types of Cancer:
The good news is that when we follow a vegan diet there is a lower risk of prostate, colon, and breast cancer.
Enhance Kidney Function:
People who have high blood sugar are more likely to experience damage to kidney function.
High blood sugar forces the kidneys to work extra hard.
As well people with high blood sugar run the risk of damaging the blood vessels in the kidneys.
There can also be a great number of improvements in kidney function for those people who follow a vegan diet.
Weight Loss:
Not all vegan diets are healthy although the diet may be low in calories.
You can’t just eat nothing but potato chips and sugary cereal and be healthy just because these foods are considered to be vegan.
Yes, a healthy vegan diet has a low-calorie density. In fact, it would be a real challenge to eat enough calories on this diet to support having a high body weight.
It is important to note that a vegan diet can be very healthy if one makes good food choices.
If you are looking to expand your health, lose some weight, and preserve your cognitive function, a vegan diet might be the best option for you.
21 Reason To Go Vegan in 2021 Video:
How to Get Started With a Vegan Diet
This does not have to be complicated. In fact, you can get started eating a vegan diet with a minimal amount of trouble.
Just follow this method:
1. The first step is to make a list of healthy vegan foods that you enjoy.
2. The next step is to just start by eating one vegan meal each day.
3. After a week, add in a second vegan meal to your day.
4. Just take things slowly and experiment with different vegan recipes. You will struggle if you decide to eat nothing but salad and fruit. If eating is not enjoyable, it will be challenging to stick with this style of eating.
You can change and your life and get started today and pretty soon you will wonder why you didn’t start eating like this years ago.
No-Fry Fried Rice Recipe:
This is a great recipe from the website Forks Over Knives. You will love this oil-free, vegan, fried rice dish. Top with cilantro and fresh chile and you are good to go!
If you are looking for ideas for great vegan recipes, you can’t go wrong with this site!
