There is a large percentage of people who say that they have turned vegan in order to save animals. This even includes cutting out dairy products. However, there are people who turn vegan purely because of its benefits on human health. Here are six science-based reasons why one should turn vegan. Take a look:

Advantages of turning vegan

Nutrients

Switching from a Western diet to a vegan diet will eliminate the intake of meat and animal products. This will lead to relying heavily on other foods. In the case of a whole-foods vegan diet, replacements happen in the form of fruits, beans, peas, nuts, whole grains, and seeds. However, not all vegan diets are created equally. Poorly-planned vegan diets, for example, may provide insufficient amounts of nutrients and essentials, like Vitamin B12, calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, or fatty acids.

Help you lose weight

Many people turn to this plant-based diet hoping to shed excess weight. Many observational studies have shown that vegans tend to be thinner and have a lower body mass index (BMI) than people who are not vegan. In a study, reported by a leading lifestyle daily, it was proved that a vegan diet helped participants lose 9.3 lbs (4.2kg), over an 18-week study period. With time, it was also noticed that people following the vegan diet lose more weight than those who follow calorie-restricted diets, even when the vegans were allowed to eat until they felt full.

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Lowers blood sugar level

Going vegan can benefit people with type 2 diabetes. Vegans tend to have lower blood sugar levels and higher insulin sensitivity. This results in up to 50-78% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies by a leading lifestyle daily have reported that vegan diets lower blood sugar levels in diabetics more than any other form of diet. It is also reported that diabetics who substitute meat for plant protein may even reduce the risk of poor kidney function.

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Protect against certain cancers

According to the World Health Organization, about one-third of all cancers can be prevented by factors within our control. This also includes diet. For example, eating legumes regularly may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by about 9-18%. Vegans are likely to eat more legumes, vegetables, and fruits than non-vegans. This is why a recent review of 96 studies found that vegans may benefit from a 15% lower risk of developing cancer.

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Lower risk of heart diseases

In a well-planned vegan diet, fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fibre are generally eaten in large amounts. These food items are linked to lower risks of heart diseases. Observational studies comparing vegans to the general population report that vegans benefit from up to a 75% lower risk of developing high blood pressure. Vegans may also have up to a 42% lower risk of dying from heart disease.

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Reduces arthritis pain

Vegan diets have positive effects on people suffering with different types of arthritis. A study, by a leading lifestyle daily, assigned 40 participants with arthritis to either continue eating their usual diet or switch to a vegan diet for six-weeks. Higher levels of energy and better general functioning was reported by those who followed the vegan diet. It also reported that people in the vegan group experienced a greater improvement with symptoms such as pain.