Veganuary: 4 healthy reasons to eat vegan for 1 month

January is the month of good resolutions and more and more people are taking the opportunity to limit their consumption of any animal product for a month. Called Veganuarythe concept allows you to do good to the world around you while improving your health, assure the followers.

Prioritizing plant-based foods protects the heart

Studies show that people who follow a plant-based diet are 24% less likely to die of heart disease than those who eat meat.

“One reason is that plant-based protein sources don’t contain cholesterol, a fatty substance that can build up in blood vessels and affect blood flow. Lower cholesterol may reduce risk of heart attack, heart failure and peripheral artery disease“, Explain dietician Nancy Geib.

A vegan diet also lowers blood pressure. Cheeses, salted, smoked and breaded meats/fish and charcuterie (including cooked ham) are in fact part of main foods high in salt. But consuming too much sodium is a risk factor for high blood pressure (HTA). On the contrary, fruits, legumes and vegetables are low in sodium.

Beware, however, of some vegan meat substitutes and processed vegan foods that may contain as much or more sodium than animal products, says the expert.

Plant-based diet reduces risk of type 2 diabetes

High blood pressure is also a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disorder primarily related to lifestyle, says the‘Inserm : “Diabetes corresponds to a lasting excess of the concentration of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia). In the case of type 2 diabetes, this phenomenon is caused by a disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism.”.

That is why studies show that people who eat a mostly plant-based diet have a 23% lower risk of type 2 diabetes than people who eat only a few plant-based foods.

A vegan diet can help with weight loss

Improving how your body processes insulin – the hormone that controls blood sugar (glucose) levels is another benefit of plant-based eating. “If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, you will see an improvement in how your body processes insulin during the 31 days of Veganuary“, indicates Nancy Geib.

When the body processes insulin efficiently, blood sugar levels remain stable. And stable blood sugar helps the body burn fat, which helps maintain a healthy weight.

In addition, eating more vegetables helps prevent weight gain:

“Every time you cut out heavily processed foods and add more vegetables and whole foods, you’re probably eating fewer calories.“, notes Ms. Geib.”But to see a difference in your weight, try avoiding processed vegan foods, too. A vegan cookie is still a cookie. It still contains calories, sugar and unhealthy ingredients“, she specifies.

The fibers contained in plants make it possible to digest well

Finally, a healthy vegan diet contains fiber, which is essential for good digestion and maintaining intestinal health. Foods rich in fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes (beans, peas and lentils).

“Fiber-rich foods act as probiotics and promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Moreover, thefiber swells and softens your stool, making it easier to pass“, indicates Nancy Geib.