A recent study has uncovered the amazing benefits of adopting a vegan diet, particularly when it comes to shedding those extra pounds and fighting inflammation. Conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, the findings were recently featured in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal.
In simple terms, munching on acidic foods like meats, dairy products, and eggs can ramp up your body’s acid load, triggering inflammation linked to weight gain. However, by swapping these animal products for more plants—think leafy greens, berries, and legumes—you may kickstart your weight loss journey and bolster a healthy gut microbiome. Dr. Hana Kahleova, the lead author and director of clinical research, shared insights from this research as detailed by News Medical.
Within the study, treated individuals amounted to 62 adults categorized as overweight. Participants were randomly assigned to either a Mediterranean or low-fat vegan diet for a total of 16 weeks, separated by a four-week cleanse, before switching to the alternative diet.
At the conclusion of the study, results indicated that adherence to a vegan diet significantly reduced the body’s dietary acid load, while the Mediterranean option showed no change. Remarkably, those on vegan menus lost an average of 13.2 pounds!
Adding the facts, animal-derived foods tend to produce more acids, leading to a rise in inflammation and unwanted weight gain. In contrast, plant-based diets—tending toward more alkaline—are associated with lower blood pressures, lesser weights, and enhanced insulin sensitivity.
Watch now: How bad is a gas stove for your home’s indoor air quality?
Veganism is certainly experiencing a global surge; just over the last decade and a half, attitudes have changed dramatically. No longer a fringe movement, it’s now common to find vegan steaks in grocery stores, famous athletes offering tips on their plant-based nutrition, and millions are joining the annual Veganuary.
Every individual who switches to a vegan diet makes a noticeable impact on the planet. In fact, if one person exchanges meat and dairy for alternatives, it’s similar to erasing 31 years of pollution across their lifetime. According to an article from The New York Times, vegans create 75% less greenhouse gases compared to those on a meat-eating diet.
Even with resistance from industries focused on meat and dairy, research supports the idea that a vegan diet is not only healthy but also allows you to enjoy delicious culinary travels and gain muscle while contributing less to carbon emissions.
Join our free newsletter for handy tips to save more and waste less. Don’t miss this awesome list on simple ways to aid yourself while also being kind to Mother Earth.
The feature, Discover How Vegan Diet Can Transform Your Health: Weight Loss Benefits, first appeared on The Cool Down.
