EATING VEGAN
Vegans
are frequently misunderstood as fringe eaters with an unnatural passion for
animal rights. While many vegans do feel passionately about animals, its time
for others to see that a vegan diet and lifestyle go way beyond animal rights.
Following a healthy, balanced vegan diet ensures a host of health benefits as
well as prevention of some of the major diseases striking people in North
America. Read these blogs to find out about the health benefits or going vegan
or just provide better information to your patients.
Nutrition
All
of the following nutritional benefits come from a vegan diet full of foods such
as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and soy products.
Reduced saturated fats. Dairy products and meats contain a
large amount of saturated fats. By reducing the amount of saturated
fats from your diet, you’ll improve your health tremendously, especially when
it comes to cardiovascular health.
Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for
your body. When you don’t have enough carbohydrates, your body will burn muscle
tissue.
Fiber. A diet high in fiber (as vegan
eating usually is) leads to healthier bowel movements. High fiber diets help
fight against colon cancer.
Magnesium. Aiding in the absorption of
calcium, magnesium is an often overlooked vitamin in importance
to a healthy diet. Nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens are an excellent source
of magnesium.
Potassium. Potassium balances water and
acidity in your body and stimulates the kidneys to eliminate toxins. Diets high
in potassium have shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and
cancer.
Folate. This B vitamin is an important part
of a healthy diet. Folate helps with cell repair, generating red and white
blood cells, and metabolizing amino acids.
Antioxidants. For protection against cell damage,
antioxidants
are one of the best ways to help your body. Many researchers also believe that
antioxidants help protect your body against forming some types of cancer.
Vitamin C. Besides boosting your immune
system, Vitamin C also helps keep your gums healthy and helps
your bruises heal faster. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant.
Vitamin E. This powerful vitamin has benefits
for your heart, skin, eyes, brain, and may even help prevent Alzheimer’s
Disease. A diet high in grains, nuts, and dark leafy greens is full of Vitamin
E.
Phytochemicals. Plant-based foods provide phytochemicals, which help to prevent and heal the body
from cancer, boost protective enzymes, and work with antioxidants in the body.
Protein. That protein is good for your body
is no surprise. It may be a surprise to learn that most Americans eat too much
protein and in forms such as red meat that are not healthy ways of getting
protein. Beans, nuts, peas, lentils, and soy products are all great ways to get
the right amount of protein in a vegan diet.
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