New Delhi: According to statistics, 23% of women and 22.1% of men in India are overweight by BMI standards. Overweight and obesity are linked to a variety of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Even moderate weight loss—a 5% drop in body weight—has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of chronic illness.
Large-scale epidemiological research shows that plant-based diets (PBDs) promote healthy weight maintenance and lower the prevalence and incidence of overweight and obesity. PBDs, which include vegan and vegetarian diets, are centered on fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Vegetarian diets often include dairy products and eggs.
India is witnessing a remarkable shift towards veganism as more people recognise the profound health benefits of adopting a plant-based lifestyle. With rising awareness about the positive impact of vegan diets on weight management, heart health, and diabetes prevention, we see more individuals making the switch. Veganism is no longer just a trend; it’s becoming a conscious choice for those who prioritize both their well-being and the planet.
The Vegan Diet and Weight Loss
Dt. Swatee Sandhan, Senior Dietician, Jupiter Hospital Pune, said, ‘Obesity is an Open invitation for many health issues like diabetes, hypertension, cancer.
To prevent or reduce obesity, the vegan diet has gained significance not just for ethical and environmental reasons but also for its remarkable health benefits. A vegan diet is a form of vegetarian diet that excludes meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and all other animal products, including honey, gelatin, certain food colorings, certain forms of alcohol, and all other animal products.
It is necessarily high in fruits, vegetables, fiber, phytonutrients, and unsaturated fats. Animal proteins are substituted with tofu, lentils, almonds, and chickpeas. Vegans may now substitute dairy with a variety of non-dairy products such as coconut, soy, and almond milk.
Benefits of Vegan Diet
- Vegan diet has a lower calorie intake than other plant-based diets, resulting in more dramatic weight loss.
- Plant-based diets with higher fiber content, bigger meal volume, and lower energy/calorie density
- A vegan diet helps in improving Gut Health as they are rich in micronutrients, fibre, and easy to digest.
- Lactose intolerance patients do well with a vegan diet and relief in symptoms
- Hyperlipidemia especially High LDL, high BP, and cardiac diseases benefit from veganism as the bad fats and cholesterol are avoided which comes from animal sources .”
Aside from obesity, the vegan diet has other health advantages that have been thoroughly investigated and verified. The vegan diet offers various health benefits by prioritizing plant-based meals and avoiding animal products. For starters, it is high in fibre, which helps with digestion, supports a healthy gut microbiota, and regulates blood sugar levels. Furthermore, a well-planned vegan diet is often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, which benefits heart health and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, a vegan diet’s abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes provides a wealth of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that support a robust immune system, reduce inflammation, and offer protection against chronic diseases such as certain cancers, type 2 diabetes and age-related conditions.
Vegetarian diets often include dairy products and eggs. India is witnessing a remarkable shift towards veganism as more people recognise the profound health benefits of adopting a plant-based lifestyle. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
