Eating vegan isn’t just about reducing harm to animals, saving the planet and discovering new flavours. It can also be great for your health!

As 100% plant-based caterers, we’re passionate about promoting the perks of a cruelty-free lifestyle. Below, we’ll list seven vegan health benefits that are hard to ignore!

1. Heart health

Eating too much saturated fat can raise the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Over time, it can build up in arteries, hinder blood flow and lead to heart attacks in the worst-case scenario.

Because vegan diets tend to be lower in saturated fat, they can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains will also give you more fibre, antioxidants and phytochemicals – which all support cardiovascular health.

2. And gut health!

The importance of gut health has become far better recognised in recent years, with links to digestion, immunity and even mental health. Vegan diets are typically higher in fibre, which nourishes the gut microbiome – promoting better digestion and boosting the immune system.

3. A better night’s sleep

With all the stresses of modern life, getting a good night’s sleep can be tricky. But did you know that a plant-based diet could make it easier? Research has linked high-fat diets with drowsiness, while those rich in fibre were found to improve sleep quality.

In turn, getting the recommended 7-9 hours per night can improve memory consolidation, boost your mood and reduce the risk of several serious diseases – so it’s not just about having better lie-ins on a weekend.

4. Reduced inflammation

Ever feel like your joints are getting worse? A vegan diet can even help with that too. Many plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which protect cells from damage.

Without getting too technical, they work together to calm the body’s inflammatory responses. Going beyond your joints, avoiding chronic inflammation can also reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers (more on that later).

5. Blood sugar control

Vegan diets have been found to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 37% compared to regular meat eaters. That’s partly down to plant-based diets being lower in fat and higher in fibre – which promotes satiety (the feeling of being full) as well as healthy digestion.

Some researchers suggest that red meat consumption, specifically, could also increase the risk of diabetes. It contains higher levels of cholesterol and excess heme iron which has been linked to reduced insulin sensitivity.

By focusing on whole plant foods with low glycemic loads, vegans can eliminate these issues.

6. Lower risk of some cancers

You don’t have to search hard to find a study linking too much meat to an increased risk of cancer. Bowel cancer and breast cancer are particular worries, with processed meat and red meat the worst culprits.

On the flipside, a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is linked to reduced risks of some cancers. Let’s be clear – no food provides a magical way to prevent bad diseases. However, these foods provide all kinds of nutrients that have been linked to cancer prevention, including vitamins A, B, C, D and K.

7. Improved kidney function

Meat is packed with protein – but you can get too much of a good thing. Your kidneys have to filter out waste products from protein digestion, like creatinine and urea. That’s why diets that are high in meat can lead to impaired kidney function.

Swapping that meat for vegetables and grains can improve kidney function – making this another of our vegan health benefits. Helping your kidneys out has several health benefits of its own, including lower blood pressure, improved blood cell production and better regulation of blood sugar and electrolytes.

Balancing your vegan diet

It probably goes without saying, but cutting out meat and dairy isn’t a standalone shortcut to better health. You’ll need to make sure your vegan diet is balanced and includes sources of vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3s and protein – which aren’t always abundant in plant foods:

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health. It’s typically obtained from fortified foods or supplements.
Iron and calcium can be found in leafy greens, legumes, nuts and seeds – but absorption can vary.
Omega-3s are found in flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts – supporting heart and brain health.
Protein is abundant in beans, lentils, tofu and grains.

With a bit of planning, you’ll have no issues leading a balanced, healthy vegan lifestyle.

From our kitchen to yours

If you’re feeling inspired by these great vegan health benefits, head over to our recipes section – it’s packed with fresh ideas to keep your plant-based meals exciting and balanced.

You can also connect with us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in touch and see when new recipes are added.

7 Vegan Health Benefits You Can't Ignore