Unexpected Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet

June 23, 2023

Robert Paugh

1 comments

Note: this post has been updated in February 2022.

Unexpected Benefits - Do Vegetarians and Vegans Live Longer and are Stronger?

Many individuals that have tried the plant-based diet have discovered that there are many unexpected benefits of a plant-based diet. Many vegetarians and vegans choose that lifestyle because of the health benefits it offers. But did you know that research has linked vegetarian diets with a longer life overall? Eating a plant-based diet has been linked to lower cholesterol, lower risk of cancer, and an impressive "lower risk of death" overall. Here are the details of some of the unexpected benefits of a plant-based diet.

Unexpected benefits of plant-based diets

1. Low blood pressure

In the latest study, researchers found that not only do vegetarians have lower blood pressure on average, but vegetarian diets could be used to lower blood pressure among people who need intervention.

2. Lower risk of death:

A 2013 study of more than 70,000 people found that vegetarians had a 12 percent lower risk of death compared with non-vegetarians. With none of the saturated fat and cholesterol that clogs arteries, vegetarians may be at a lower risk for chronic diseases overall.

3. Better moods:

A 2012 study randomly split participants into three diets: all-meat allowed, fish-only, and vegetarian no-meat. The researchers found that after two weeks, the people on the vegetarian diet reported more mood improvements than those on the other two diets.

4. Less chance of heart disease:

Another 2013 study of 44,000 people reported vegetarians were 32 percent less likely to develop ischemic heart disease.

5. Lower risk of cancer:

Researchers at Loma Linda University in California studied different versions of the vegetarian diet and cancer risk among people at a minimal risk for cancer overall and discovered that a vegetarian diet may have protective benefits. Although the study is not the final say on the matter, vegans had the lowest risk for cancers, specifically cancers most common among women, like breast cancer.

6. Lower risk of diabetes:

Studies have shown that vegetarians are at a lower risk for developing diabetes. While the diet won’t cure the disease, it can lower an individual’s risk by helping them maintain weight and improve blood sugar control. - via Men's Health

Plant-based and vegan diets can make you stronger

Plant-based diets support muscle mass gain among young adults, according to a study published in Sports Medicine. Researchers compared protein intake and leg muscle mass in young men who followed either a vegan diet or an omnivorous diet as part of a twice-weekly resistance training program. Vegan participants took soy protein isolate supplements while nonvegan participants supplemented protein intake with whey (dairy) protein supplements. All participants increased muscle mass with no differences between the diet groups. These results suggest protein source does not affect muscle gain among young men with adequate protein intake. - via Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Give Plant-based or Veganism a Try

Ever wonder if you'd like to live on a vegan diet? Although it may seem restrictive to those who haven't tried it, many find that getting their nutrition from plant-based sources gives them more energy and a revitalized sense of health! Here are a few reasons why and how you can give the vegan diet a try for a month!

It is great if you want to lose weight or slim down

When you cut out animal products, you’ll find that it’s easier to stay slim as you’re not consuming high amounts of saturated fats from dairy and meat products.

It’s easier to get your 5-a-day

Never mind five, you can easily get double that on a vegan diet. Eating fruit and/or vegetables at every meal means your diet will be much more nutritious than those making up a third (or less) of lunch and dinner with vegetables. Eating snacks such as Naked bars also count as your 5-a-day, and they are delicious and vegan.

Vegans are healthier

Vegans and vegetarians typically have lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, lower rates of Type 2 diabetes, lower body mass indexes, a lower risk of death from heart disease, and lower overall cancer rates. Science and research confirm you don’t need meat to be healthy at all. In fact, statistics point to quite the opposite.

Having a vegan diet boosts immunity and is anti-cancer

Since fruits and vegetables are rich in super nutrients and many have antioxidant purposes, they can bolster the immune system and help the body fight against disease.

Plant-based diet can aid arthritis

Eliminating dairy consumption has long been connected with alleviating arthritis symptoms, but a new study by Karolinska University in Stockholm indicates that a combination of a gluten-free diet and a vegan diet is very effective in improving the health of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Boost your energy levels

On a vegan diet, you will find your energy is much improved. NFL star Tony Gonzalez has talked extensively about how changing from an omnivore to a vegan diet has helped him gain energy while playing at the top of his career in the NFL.

You’ll live longer

Several studies indicate that those following a vegan or vegetarian diet will live an average of three to six years longer than those who do not.

No bad breath and less body odor

Eliminating dairy and red meat from your diet significantly reduces body odor, and vegans frequently experience a reduction in bad breath. - via Express.co.uk

Now is the time to act for your health

Whether you’re already a convert and just want a dietary reboot, or you’re trying a plant-based diet for the first time The Forks Over Knives Plan makes it easier than ever to transition to this healthiest way of eating…and to maintain it for life. Below are other great resources that will help you get on the right track.

The Plant-Based Solution: America’s Healthy Heart Doc’s Plan to Power Your Health

The China Study Solution: The Simple Way to Lose Weight and Reverse Illness, Using a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet

How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

The Forks Over Knives Plan: How to Transition to the Life-Saving, Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet

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Interesting. I’m not a vegan myself, but I’ve quite a few people who were. But my thing is, if it’s so wonderful, then why do people change to regular diet? I’m not saying it’s bad, but for all of the push for it….I know of a few who went back to regular food….and I know a couple of people I grew up with who have gone vegan for an amount of time, then go back to regular, then back to being a vegan. That seems to me, to be defeating the whole purpose of being a vegan/vegetarian. :/ Or is that a suggested thing to do? I honestly don’t know too much about it, so these aren’t meant to offend anyone….I thought it was supposed to be a lifestyle change. And I do love veggies and fruits….our family goes to the farmers’ market weekly and stock up for the week.