Being a vegetarian has often meant you can count on meat-eaters dismissing you as a granola-loving-tree-hugging-hippy. Crueler things have been said, certainly, but being criticized for wanting to eat healthy and spare unnecessary suffering is nothing short of confounding.
As America's waistline continues to expand, its heart rate goes up, and its cholesterol jumps through the roof, many folks who once found themselves critical of a plant-based diet are finding more vegetables on their plates and less meat. In fact, it's not just our own health that's changing our diets—concerns over pesticide exposure and environmental damage are two of the leading reasons many people are opting for organic food as well. Have you made the switch? Here are nine reasons the 'veganic' diet may soon be your diet of choice.
Read more: How To Get Started On Vegan Keto Diet
1. Healthy Weight
It may be obvious, but there really are no shortcuts if you want to be at your ideal weight. Eating less of the bad stuff and more of the good (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) is a crucial change that must occur. Likewise, eating organic foods also spares you from exposure to pesticides that can disrupt your endocrine system and make it difficult to lose weight and keep it off.
2. Longer Life
The healthier you are, generally speaking, the longer you'll live. Studies have shown that a plant-based diet can significantly impact your lifespan, even if you only adopt it in old age! Research has found that those who ate the least amount of meat have the lowest rates of cancer and other degenerative diseases. The healthier you are, the happier you are too, and that can also impact your longevity.
3. Younger Looking
It would make sense that if you're going to live longer, you're also going to look younger, right? Something like that anyway.…However, it's true that people who eat plenty of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables benefit from the antioxidants that fight the signs of aging, boost skin collagen, and keep you looking younger.
4. You Are Not An Experiment
If you live in the U.S., you're most likely regularly eating genetically modified foods without even knowing it. They make up 70 percent of the processed food in this country and are not labeled. Many studies have found human health risks connected to eating GMOs. Organic foods cannot contain genetically modified foods, which reduces your risk of illness and disease.
5. Healthier Planet
Conventional agriculture and factory farming are degrading the environment. More and more people are becoming aware of this, and it is one of the leading reasons for switching to a low-impact, organic, vegan diet.
You can use plant-based protein powder products to supply the protein your body needs.
6. Fewer Sick Days
Animal products are far more prone to bacterial infections than other foods. In fact, the CDC estimates that nearly 50 million Americans get a food-related illness every year. You'll be less exposed to these illnesses on a plant-based and organic diet.
7. Ocean Protection
It's not just the health of our air that's in jeopardy, but our oceans as well. Overfishing, shark-finning, and pollution have dramatically damaged the world's oceans. That makes it pretty hard to sit at the beach with a tuna sandwich and a clear conscience.
8. Support Your Farmers
Organic farmers get paid a premium price for their crops versus conventional options. After the recession brought money consciousness back into focus, many individuals realized it's not just their own wallet that's affected, which helped lead the way for more farmers’ markets and a focus on local economies. Not only that, but organic farming reduces the farmers' exposure to harmful pesticides as well!
9. Better Meals
The vegan-organic diet is not limiting. In fact, it's just the opposite: a plethora of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, and beans (see what I mean?), etc. Variety is the spice of life, and diving into the plant kingdom is one of the greatest ways to take advantage!
10. Enhanced Digestive Health
Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains are packed with fiber, which helps keep digestion running smoothly. Organic produce may also reduce exposure to pesticides and synthetic chemicals, potentially lightening the load on your digestive system. Many people feel that plant-based diets are easier on the stomach and may lead to fewer digestive issues like bloating or discomfort.
11. Improved Mental Health
What we eat doesn’t just affect our bodies; it plays a significant role in how we feel mentally, too. An organic vegan diet filled with nutrient-dense foods can contribute to a clearer mind and better mood. While diet alone isn’t the answer to mental health, many people find that making healthier choices can improve how they feel overall.
12. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
There’s growing interest in how diet influences long-term health. Cutting back on meat and adding more plant-based foods into your diet has been associated with offering potential health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic conditions. An organic vegan diet, free from synthetic additives and GMOs, focuses on natural, nutrient-packed foods that might play a role in keeping your body strong and resilient over time.
13. Lower Carbon Footprint
Beyond personal health, one of the significant benefits of an organic vegan diet is its potential environmental impact. Animal farming, especially on a large scale, contributes to the degradation of forests, contamination of water sources, and the emission of greenhouse gasses. By choosing plant-based, organically farmed foods, you’re making a choice that aligns with reducing environmental harm.
14. Compassion for Animals
For many, the ethical side of an organic vegan diet is deeply meaningful. Choosing to abstain from consuming animal products can be an expression of compassion, reflecting a desire to minimize involvement in factory farming and the suffering of animals.
15. Culinary Creativity
Contrary to the misconception that plant-based diets are restrictive, an organic vegan diet can actually open up a whole new world of culinary exploration. With an extensive selection of vegetables, grains, and spices, the possibilities for creative and satisfying meals are endless; many people find that going vegan encourages them to try new ingredients and techniques.
Read more: Plant-Based Diet for Beginners
16. Improved Energy Levels
Many people who switch to an organic vegan diet report feeling more energized throughout the day. This could be because plant-based foods are often lighter and easier for the body to digest. Instead of feeling sluggish after a heavy meal, the focus on fruits, vegetables, and grains provides a steady stream of nutrients that may help maintain energy levels without the highs and lows associated with processed foods or large amounts of animal products.
17. Better Sleep Quality
What you eat can have an impact on your sleep, and many people find that an organic vegan diet helps them sleep more soundly. Typically lower in fat and calories, plant-based foods can contribute to improved digestion and a more restful night's sleep.
18. Community and Connection
Whether you’re meeting like-minded people at a farmers' market, sharing recipes with friends, or connecting with others online, the vegan movement offers a supportive and welcoming space. Many find that making this lifestyle change brings them closer to people who share similar values, whether for health, environmental, or ethical reasons.
