Do vegans look younger than non-vegans? There are a lot of benefits to the vegan diet, but is looking more youthful one of them?
Plant-based diets are incredibly popular for many reasons. Animal rights, climate change and even health reasons have people ditching the dairy and reaching for the lentils. Of course, there are ongoing debates as to how healthy veganism is. Particularly when it comes to meat-eaters!
With vegan options readily available in restaurants now, and celebs publicly speaking out about its importance – it’s hard to ignore the rise of veganism. But what exactly are the health benefits of a vegan diet? And, more importantly (kind of), do vegans actually look younger?
Well, we’re going to take a closer look at this popular diet! And tell you whether a vegan diet will keep you looking young!
Photo Credit: Louis Hansel
What is veganism?
A vegan diet is an entirely plant-based diet. This means that anybody who is vegan eliminates all animal products from their diet.
Whilst veganism may sound like a restrictive diet, it’s thought that people who eat a vegan diet actually eat a wider variety of foods than meat-eaters!
Why do people choose to go vegan?
Well, veganism has grown in popularity in recent years. This is down to a number of reasons, the most obvious being animal rights. Of course, we know that eating meat or dairy comes at a cost to the animals. In fact, organisations such as PETA have been spreading awareness of animal rights for years.
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Another factor that might be even more prominent than animal rights, is climate change. Documentaries such as Cowspiracy have highlighted the impact that factory farming is having on the planet. With environmental issues at the forefront of discussions this year, people have found eating a vegan diet is their way of contributing to fighting the crisis.
Of course, another popular reason to eat a vegan diet is because of its health benefits. So, what are the health benefits of a vegan diet? And do vegans really look younger?
Health benefits of a vegan diet
Eating a vegan diet has numerous health benefits, although there are concerns that it can lead to nutritional deficiencies. The main concern is surrounding B12, a vitamin only found in animal products or supplements.
Of course, B12 is not only important for vegans – but meat-eaters too! And with careful planning and a varied diet, there are no risks in enjoying a vegan diet!
In fact, a healthy, balanced vegan diet gives us many health benefits.
Vegans May Have a Healthier Heart
A main benefit to the vegan diet is that you are at less risk of heart disease. But why is this?
Well, unfortunately, many animal products we consume, including meat and cheese are high in saturated fats. Regular consumption of these fats put a strain on our arteries and eventually our hearts.
Not only that but plant-based foods are usually lower in calories but higher in nutrients. This leads to reducing the risk of obesity – another factor that contributes to heart disease.
Veganism and Weight loss
So, following on from a healthier heart, a vegan diet can also promote weight loss.
Again, due to vegan diets containing fewer calories and more nutritious foods, you might see a change in weight when consuming plant-based foods.
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Plant-based foods are often high in fibre and consist of whole grains and pulses. These are not only extremely healthy foods, but also keep you fuller for longer. Do you know what this means? Well, fewer sugar cravings and potentially less snacking!
Veganism Can Lower Blood Sugar Levels
A vegan diet can certainly reduce your blood sugar levels, but why is this a benefit?
Well, if you have type-2 diabetes, the regulation of your blood sugar level is crucial in managing your condition. Not only that, but lower blood sugar levels can also reduce your risk of developing diabetes too.
Added to that, an improved rate in kidney function and it’s hard to argue against the benefits!
Going Vegan Gives A More Varied Diet
Well, if you eliminate all animal products from your diet, you’re bound to get more creative in the kitchen, right?
Yes, the assumption is that a vegan diet will leave you with nothing left to eat but salads. In actual fact, plant-based diets are rich in variety.
How? Well, vegans tend to look towards ingredients that might not usually be considered in the diet of a meat-eater! You will include a wide range of grains, pulses, and beans into your diet. And might end up surprised with the new recipes you create!
Do Vegans Really Look Younger?
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kevin laminto via Unsplash
We’ve looked at a number of benefits a vegan diet can provide our bodies. But can it really make you look younger? Or age slower?
Well, it would certainly be an impressive benefit! And in actual fact, there might be some truth in vegans looking younger.
As we age, we develop wrinkles in our skin. It’s a sad and painful truth. What causes these wrinkles is the oxidation of the skin. Oxidation breaks down collagen in the skin, which impairs the ability of the skin to heal itself.
Oxidation is caused naturally by ageing, but many factors can speed this process up. For example, excess exposure to UV rays – or sun damage (wear sunscreen people!).
So, how can a vegan diet help?
Vegan diets are high in fruits and vegetables – the whole diet is based around plants! And, a lot of fruits and vegetables contain properties such as antioxidants, for example. On average, a vegan diet is much more likely to contain foods containing antioxidants.
Why is this important? Well, antioxidants have the ability to fight the oxidants in our body. Which, in turn, might slow the effects of ageing!
Here are some vegan foods containing antioxidants:
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Artichokes
- Pecans
- Red cabbage
- Strawberries
- Kale
Of course, there are many other foods rich in antioxidants, too. Veganism isn’t guaranteed to make you look younger. But it might help slow the ageing process. It’s also important to remember that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also much more likely to leave you with clear, healthy skin! Not only that, but applying Manuka honey can also leave you with glowing skin. It’s a key ingredient to a more youthful appearance!
