Around 575 million Indians don't eat meat. That's more than the combined population of the US and the UK. Why? Let's look at it closely…
The global meat-substitute market was valued at $12.9 billion in 2022. It is expected to reach $234.7 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 42.1% from 2022 to 2030. Why is veganism becoming a lifestyle fad?
Before we get into the benefits of veganism, let's understand that being vegan and being vegetarian are two different things.
Vegan vs vegetarian
A vegetarian doesn't eat any animals or their eggs. They are against eating anything that involves animal slaughter. However, they can eat byproducts, e.g. dairy. Many vegetarians believe that eggs aren't animals.
Vegans, on the other hand, are one step ahead. While they avoid animal meat or eggs, they do not consume any byproducts.
Types of vegetarians:
Lacto vegetarians - No animal meat or eggs. Dairy products work.
Ovo vegetarians - No animal meat or dairy products. Eggs work.
Lacto-Ovo vegetarians - No animals. Eggs and dairy products work.
Pescatarians - No animals. Fish work.
Vegans - No animals, fish, eggs, or dairy products.
Okay, enough about vegetarians. Let's look at veganism and its advantages.
Lowers Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage your arteries, make them less elastic, and reduce blood and oxygen flow to the heart. This, in turn, exposes you to numerous health issues like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Switching to a vegan diet can lower your blood pressure. Additionally, vegetarians have a 34% lower risk for hypertension (high blood pressure) than people who eat meat. A meta-analysis of 39 studies deduced that average vegetarians had lower blood pressure than omnivores.
Improves Kidney Function & Prevents Type 2 Diabetes
Our body cells use glucose in the blood effectively if we have high insulin sensitivity. It also reduces blood sugar levels. Vegetarians, in general, are known to have higher insulin sensitivity than omnivores. Since vegans tend to have lower blood sugar levels, they're at a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Don't want to switch to a vegan diet completely? Simply increasing your intake of plant-based foods and decreasing your intake of meat- and dairy-based foods reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Eat Plants. Get Shredded.
Many people are switching to a vegan diet to lose weight. There's yet to be anything to prove this. Eating plants means getting regular fibres and regularising your bowel movements.
Whole grains and vegetables have a low glycemic index. This means that they're digested slowly, helping you feel full for a longer period. Several studies suggest vegan diets are more effective for weight loss.
Good For Lungs. Good for Heart Beet.
It's well-known that plants and trees provide oxygen. However, did you know that a plant-based diet can improve cholesterol levels? High cholesterol levels lead to fatty deposits in arteries, restricting blood flow.
Just stepping away from a carnivore diet can reduce your body's bad cholesterol (LDL) levels by 10%-15%. If you go vegan, you can lower your cholesterol level by around 15% to 25%.
Additionally, meat is known to contain saturated fats, which can result in heart problems. A plant-based diet reduces the risk of developing heart disease by 16%.
Live Longer & Prevent Cancer
A complete vegan diet reduces the risk of mortality by 25%. The two reasons why vegans may live longer are:
Vegan diets are rich in nutritious compounds
Vegans tend to have healthier lifestyles
A study suggests that red meat, smoked meat, or processed meat and meat cooked at high temperatures can promote certain types of cancers. WHO says that 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by working on key risk factors. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables helps.
Additionally, a vegan diet can help decrease the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Vegans are known to have high energy levels. However, many are sceptical that vegans may only get some of the required nutrients. Thankfully, supplements can help you fulfil your additional nutrient requirement.
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