There are plenty of reasons why someone may want to transition to a vegan diet. But have you ever wondered what exactly happens to your body when you go vegan? From weight loss to glowing skin, explore some of the benefits you can expect when you stop eating animal products and bulk up on plants.
Willow serves delicious vegan dishes with innovative preparations. Visit us today for dine-in, delivery, or takeout!
More Energy
One of the more noticeable and immediate changes people experience when they start eating a vegan diet is how much more energy they have. Animal products can be extremely taxing on the digestive system and take longer to make their way through the gastrointestinal tract, which causes sluggishness and constipation. Plant-based foods, on the other hand, are high in fiber and require less energy to pass through the digestive system. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are also loaded with nutrients and have energizing properties.
Better Digestion and Gut Health
Going vegan is like an extreme makeover for your gut, and it doesn’t take long for this change to happen. The fiber in plant-based foods feeds good bacteria, which is essential for a healthy gut and better overall health. Fiber will also improve your bowel movements, keeping you regular and preventing constipation. While it’s true that a lot of new vegans may experience an increase in gas and bloating, this is usually only temporary since the body is not used to a high intake of fiber. You can reduce this unwanted side effect easily by chewing your food more, drinking extra water, and cooking your vegetables.
Weight Loss
More and more people are drawn to a vegan diet because it easily allows you to lose weight. Compared to animal protein and dairy products, plant-based foods are lower in calories, especially when in their natural, unprocessed state. Fruits and vegetables also have higher water and fiber content, which leaves you feeling full without consuming a lot of calories. Of course, there are other benefits to losing weight as well. When you lower your body mass index (BMI), you also reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Blood Sugar Control
Some people may be surprised to hear that even though a vegan diet contains a lot of starchy vegetables, it can actually benefit those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Not only can it help manage and reverse symptoms, but it can also prevent the development of type 2 diabetes altogether. Since a vegan diet is high in fiber, it can help regulate blood sugar levels. Many plant-based foods are also low on the glycemic index, so they won’t spike your blood sugar.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
Switching to a vegan diet can dramatically reduce your cholesterol levels, especially the bad cholesterol that can lead to heart disease. While meat and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol and are high in saturated fat, fruits and vegetables contain zero cholesterol and are low in saturated fat. The high fiber content in plant-based foods can help lower your cholesterol levels as well. In fact, many people who switch to a vegan diet are able to reduce the amount of cholesterol-lowering drugs they take or come off of them completely.
Less Inflammation
Short-term inflammation is normal and necessary to heal and prevent illness. However, too much inflammation or chronic inflammation can lead to many chronic diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more.
It turns out that your diet can play a major role in the amount of inflammation in the body. Meat, cheese, and other animal products are all highly inflammatory foods. A vegan diet, on the other hand, is naturally anti-inflammatory because plant-based foods are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
Better Mood
From less stress and anxiety to a happier disposition, vegan food is the definition of “good mood food.” Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are rich in nutrients that can support your mental well-being.
Healthier Skin
Want to know the secret to healthier-looking skin? A vegan diet! One of the beautiful side effects of eating plants is glowing skin. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, and E and contain powerful antioxidants that can help you glow from the inside out—literally.
By eliminating dairy from your diet, you’re more likely to notice clearer skin. That’s because dairy contains hormones that trigger breakouts. When dairy is combined with other highly processed foods and refined sugars that are common in the standard American diet, you create a recipe for acne to form.
Visit Willow in NYC!
As you can see, a lot of positive changes happen to your body when you go vegan! If you’d like to try some delicious vegan cuisine in NYC, stop by Willow today. Our restaurant at 199 8th Avenue serves vegan comfort food with upscale plating. You can also place pickup or delivery orders online. We look forward to serving you an outstanding meal!
